Rangers collapse, lose to the Lightning
Lightning wins its third straight against New York.
BRETT CONNOLLY'S second goal of the game during a third-period power play lifted the Tampa Bay Lightning to its third straight win over the host New York Rangers, 6-3, last night.
With Martin St. Louis off for slashing, Connolly scored past Henrik Lundqvist at 5:34. Tyler Johnson gave the Lightning a two-goal lead 1:24 later with his second of the night, and Ondrej Palat added an empty-netter with 26.4 seconds left to seal Tampa Bay's fourth consecutive victory.
Ben Bishop made 32 saves to improve to 8-0 against the Rangers - including three wins in 15 days.
Matt Carle added a goal for the Lightning, which outscored the Rangers 15-7 in the three games - including 11 goals at Madison Square Garden.
Kevin Hayes, Jesper Fast and St. Louis scored for the Rangers, who had won four of five. Lundqvist struggled and made only 15 saves.
In other games
* At Columbus, Boone Jenner scored at 10:05 of the third period to lift the Blue Jackets past Florida, 2-1, and end their six-game skid.
* At Denver, Max Pacioretty's tiebreaking goal with 6:06 left in the third period lifted the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche.
Noteworthy
* Los Angeles defenseman Slava Voynov pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of domestic violence against his wife. Voynov entered the plea at his arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The Russian Olympian's preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 15. Prosecutors sought a no-contact order between Voynov and his wife, but the court declined. Voynov's wife is still living with him, and has said she doesn't fear him. Voynov has been suspended by the NHL since a few hours after he was arrested Oct. 20.
* Scott Gomez is back on the New Jersey roster. General manager Lou Lamoriello says the 34-year-old center signed a contract Sunday night and there is a good chance he will play tonight against the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Gomez last played for the Devils in 2006-07.
* Columbus placed center Artem Anisimov on injured reserve with a torn triceps muscle sustained Saturday at Nashville, an injury expected to sideline him for 2-to-3 months.
* Minnesota defenseman Marco Scandella was fined by the NHL for an illegal check to the head of St. Louis forward T.J. Oshie on Saturday. Scandella must pay $2,755.38, the maximum amount allowable by the collective bargaining agreement.