Mullen’s Late Score Lifts Rangers

Brian Mullen said he was anticipating overtime.

Instead, he helped avert it by scoring with 1:12 left to give the New York Rangers a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings Monday night.

Mullen swept a backhanded shot from the slot past Tim Cheveldae for his 20th goal as the Rangers increased their lead in the Patrick Division to six points over the idle Pittsburgh Penguins.

“I don’t know how it got there, all I know is that the puck was in the slot,” Mullen said. “I just tried to put it on net.”

Goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck made 24 saves to extend his unbeaten streak to 5-0-1.

The Rangers, who haven’t finished first in any NHL division since 1942, have 12 games left. Pittsburgh has 13.

The loss ended the Red Wings’ winning streak at three games.