New York Rangers extend Eastern Conference lead with 3-2 overtime win over Columbus Blue Jackets

After a week off following the birth of my son, I was back shooting at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. And while the game against the NHL’s last-place team was more nail-biting than it should have been, the New York Rangers pulled out the 3-2 overtime victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The win gives the Rangers a huge 9-point standings lead over the Boston Bruins, the 2nd-place team in the Eastern Conference. For some perspective, only 15 points separate the Bruins and the bottom of the 16-team conference, making the Rangers’ #1 position that much more impressive. They’ll play the Penguins in Pittsburgh tonight, the New York Islanders on Friday, and then it’s back to MSG for a game against the Buffalo Sabres. Photos by Avi Gerver, ©Madison Square Garden, L.P.

Artem Anisimov jumps in celebration after scoring his second-period goal…

…and Derek Stepan (left) seals the win with an overtime goal off assists from Michael Del Zotto and Marian Gaborik: