Penguins get unexpected lift to defeat Rangers, 4-2

Chris Conner, recalled from the minor leagues earlier in the day, scored two goals and the Pittsburgh Penguins scored twice one minute apart in the third period to beat the slumping New York Rangers, 4-2, on Monday night.

After Artem Anisimov gave the Rangers their only lead 9:15 into the third with his second goal of the game, Evgeni Malkin got Pittsburgh even at 9:46 -- 16 seconds into a power play. Conner then fired in a rebound of Sidney Crosby’s shot one minute later to put the Penguins back in front.

“It was great,” Conner said. “It was kind of a chaotic day, getting called up and stuff. It just felt good to get the win.”

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who returned from a four-game absence caused by a broken finger, got the win, making 28 saves.

Conner staked the Penguins to a 1-0 lead less than three minutes into the game with his first of the season.

Anisimov made it 1-1 in the second for the Rangers, who had been shut out in their previous two games.

New York has dropped three straight and six of eight (2-5-1), including four shutout losses.

New York had several more chances to score but couldn’t take advantage of a four-minute power play in the third period after Jordan Staal was sent off for high-sticking, and another power play that came a few seconds after Staal left the box.

-- associated press