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Alex Galchenyuk lifts Canadiens to 3-2 overtime win over Rangers

Montreal's Daniel Briere (48) scores in the third period of the Canadiens' 3-2 overtime win Thursday over the New York Rangers. New York leads the series 2-1.
Montreal’s Daniel Briere (48) scores in the third period of the Canadiens’ 3-2 overtime win Thursday over the New York Rangers. New York leads the series 2-1.
(Kathy Willens / Associated Press)
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Alex Galchenyuk tipped in a pass at the right post 1:12 into overtime, and the Montreal Canadiens overcame a late tying goal and beat the New York Rangers, 3-2, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Thursday night.

Montreal cut New York’s series lead to 2-1, and can tie it Sunday night at Madison Square Garden before heading home for Game 5.

Galchenyuk, playing only his second game of these playoffs after returning from an injury Monday, deflected a feed from Tomas Plekanec to win it.

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The Rangers tied it with 28.1 seconds left in regulation on Chris Kreider’s goal.

Dustin Tokarski was sharp throughout in his second NHL playoff game in place of injured goalie Carey Price, making 35 saves.

New York had its five-game winning streak snapped, and its run of six straight victories over the Canadiens also ended. The Rangers fell to 1-1 in overtime in these playoffs. The Canadiens are 3-1.

Montreal was poised to win it in regulation after Danny Briere scored with 3:02 left in the third, but Kreider matched him when his shot hit the sliding right skate of Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin in the crease and caromed past Tokarski, who thrust his head upward in disgust as Madison Square Garden shook.

Tokarski was playing in his second straight game because of a series-ending injury sustained by Price, who was barreled into by Kreider in Game 1.

Briere’s goal was also aided by an opposing defenseman, as Ryan McDonagh nudged the puck past goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

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