New York, NY (Sports Network) - Derek Stepan scored the winner in the third period as the New York Rangers took a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins in a hard-fought battle between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.

Marian Gaborik, Anton Stralman and Carl Hagelin all scored for the Rangers, who have won four of their last five. Henrik Lundqvist turned aside 30 shots to pick up his 31st win of the season.

The win now pushes the Rangers to the top spot in the NHL with 91 points, one ahead of idle Vancouver and two ahead of Detroit, which hosts Chicago on Sunday.

Jordan Caron had a goal and an assist while David Krejci and Benoit Pouliot each lit the lamp for the Bruins, who have dropped three of four but still hold the top spot in the Northeast Division and sit second in the conference. Tim Thomas was charged with all four goals on just 17 shots.

 

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