The New York Rangers were back at it with a valuable home and home series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Rangers went into Pittsburgh on Sunday and came away empty handed as they lost 3-1. This was a nationally televised game that saw the Rangers commit 9 penalties. The Rangers jumped out to an early lead in the first on a power play goal by Bradon Dubinsky. The Penguins would strike back with goals from Marian Hossa and Evgani Malkin to take a 2-1 lead. The Rangers would press for the rest of the game, but would end up falling to the Pens. A late goal by Maximme Talbot in the third would seal the deal for the Rangers. This win propelled the Pens to the top of the Eastern Conference, and also made sure the Rangers could not compete for the Atlantic Division Crown.

The Rangers would go back to the Garden on Monday to finish the home and home with the Penguins. The Rangers came out strong, out shooting the Pens 10-1 in the first period, but the score was tied at zero none the less. The Rangers continued their onslaught in the second, only this time they found the back of the net. The Rangers had a 5-3 powerplay, and they scored on an incredibly whacky play. Jagr sent a backhand shot to the net that ricocheted off Penguins goalie Marc Andre Fleury. The puck popped up in the air over the crossbar, hit a Penguins defensemen’s glove, then hit Fleury's helmet and went in. As this was going on, the Rangers Scott Gomez swiped at the puck in the air. The official originally thought Gomez hit the puck with his stick which would disallow the goal. After a lengthy instant replay, the Rangers would receive the goal. The second period would end with the Rangers leading 1-0.

The Penguins came out flying in the third period, as the game seemed to be slipping away. The Rangers tried to weather the storm, but the Pens would even up. The game would end up finishing 1-1, with the game headed into overtime. The Rangers needed the extra point, and you could sense it is his play. The would draw a powerplay, giving them a 4 on 3 advantage. This is where the Rangers would need Captain Clutch, and he delivered. Drury rifled a slap shot through a screened Marc Ander Fleury. This gave the Rangers the win and the valuable point they needed in the tight Eastern Conference. The Rangers leaped into 5th place and the standings, and the Pens stayed in first place in front of idle Montreal.

The Rangers have 3 games left, and trail the 4th place New Jersey Devils by 1 point. The Rangers have a home and home against the Islanders, and finish the regular season against New Jersey at the Prudential Center. The playoffs start on April 9th.

As always, LETS GO RANGERS!!