Marian Gaborik had not scored in six games and the Rangers had not scored a power-play goal in seven contests. Both droughts ended rather impressively in the final seconds of overtime in Boston Saturday afternoon.
1) Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers - The Rangers have been very good this year in spite of a power play that is among the worst in the league. They had gone 15 opportunities spanning seven games without a power-play goal until Gaborik scored on the second rebound with 3.6 seconds to spare in overtime of a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins. Gaborik also scored in the second period when the teams traded four goals, including Ryan Callahan's 16th. Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves as the Rangers remained two points ahead of Boston in the East.
2) Cody Hodgson, Vancouver Canucks - For a rookie getting 12:39 of ice time per game, Hodgson has done well for himself. How well? After his first two-goal game that included the game-winner in a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, Hodgson has 13 goals and 29 points, good for fourth among rookies. With seven goals and seven assists in his last 16 games, he could be moving up the charts. David Booth and Ryan Kesler also scored for the Canucks, who occupy second place in the West at five points ahead of San Jose.
3) John Tavares, New York Islanders - The Islanders have been playing slightly better recently. It helps when John Tavares has the league's longest point streak, which he extended to 12 games by scoring both goals in New York's 2-1 overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Long Island. Tavares has eight goals and 13 games during the streak and the Islanders have won eight times. Evgeni Nabokov started for the 14th time in 15 games and stopped 32 shots.
Play of the Night
It wasn't quite the buzzer-beater that Brad Richards orchestrated last month in Phoenix but it was still fairly impressive. Gaborik parked himself in front of Tuukka Rask and then swept in the backhand that gave the Rangers a nice road win.
Save of the Night
Though it came in a 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, Martin Brodeur still produced at least one highlight for the Devils with an amazing save while laying on his back early in the third period.
Good/Bad Bounce of the Night
Depending on your rooting interest your view of Rene Bourque's first goal for the Montreal Candiens might vary. Bourque's first-period goal occurred thanks to some good luck for a change for the struggling Canadiens. He scored after the puck caromed off the end boards and past Jonas Gustavsson. Of course, the Habs gave up one on the next shift, but then scored two in the third period on bad Maple Leaf miscues in a 3-1 victory in Toronto.
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