Henrik Lundqvist makes a stop on Jonathan Toews.
Getty Images/Nam Y. Huh

Rivalry Night featured a classic battle of Original Sixes. The Rangers and Blackhawks aren’t in the same conference. But that didn’t much matter to NBC Sports Network. An odd choice to begin with, they got what they wanted. A great game which the Rangers won in regulation 3-2 over the defending champs at United Center.

For once, the Blueshirts played up to the competition. Even after blowing a two-goal lead, they competed and did what it took to win a hard fought game in the third period. Carl Hagelin scored the tiebreaking goal with 5:57 remaining and Swedish Olympic teammate Henrik Lundqvist did the rest shutting down hockey’s best.

”We worked so hard, so this is a big one for us,” a triumphant Lundqvist expressed after making 35 saves to earn The Broadway Hat. ”Playing such a good team and the position we’re in, we’re desperate for points and wins, so just a great feeling the way we played and got rewarded in the end with that big goal.”

That included some big ones late. Nobody puts on an all out attack like the Hawks. Once they fell behind, they kept pushing and pushing for the equalizer. Only it never came. Aside from allowing a short side goal to Brandon Bollig, Lundqvist was sensational. In particular, he cut off the angles and his rebound control was strong. A groovy glove save with a couple of minutes left and a pair of difficult stops in the final frantic minute allowed the Rangers to win a big game. The win moved them into third in the Metro Division. Up to 47 points, they’re one up on Washington, two on Carolina, four on New Jersey and five on Columbus. The Islanders are eight out.

Every game is significant. But this one could be a turning point. Beating as talented a team as there is the way they did was big. It wasn’t easy by any stretch. They needed all 35 saves from their franchise goalie who looked the part. He’s admittedly struggled. For a second consecutive game, he made timely stops and was there at the end. That could be essential for his and team psyche the rest of the way.

”Lately, we have a lot of confidence and try not to get too frustrated,” Hagelin pointed out after notching his 11th to move into a four-way tie with goal scorers Brad Richards, Mats Zuccarello and rookie Chris Kreider for the team lead. ”Some games the puck goes in and other days it doesn’t. But I think when you’re creating chances you stay positive.”

Considering that this team doesn’t have an offensive standout, it’s getting crowded at the top. With Rick Nash rounding into form up to nine and Benoit Pouliot continuing to play better offensively with eight, suddenly there’s better balance. If Derek Stepan and Ryan Callahan can ever get untracked, that would be big. The latter set up Richards 5:06 into the first for the opening score. Taking a pass from the captain, he wisely went five-hole on Corey Crawford. Zuccarello made it 2-0 with a power play goal when he snuck around the net for a wrap around. For a third straight game since returning, Michael Del Zotto recorded a power play assist. The other helper went to Lundqvist. His second of the season.

Of course, it was far from over. The Blackhawks aren’t the best team for nothing. They rallied quickly scoring twice over a 1:48 span to tie it. With Derick Brassard off for interference, Chicago captain Jonathan Toews beat Lundqvist in the slot with a one-timer from Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith. Putting in perspective how lethal they are, it was Keith’s 40th assist. Four Hawks have over 40 points including Hart candidate Patrick Kane with a team best 54 (23-31-54). Richards and Zuccarelo are tied for the Rangers’ team in scoring with 31 points.

Chicago’s fourth line evened it when Bollig took a Marcus Kruger feed and surprised Lundqvist with an unscreened wrist shot from the right circle. Just that fast, the game was tied. They could’ve caved and it would’ve been excusable. But at some point enough is enough.

The Rangers came out strong in the third getting the first seven shots. Crawford steadied keeping it tied. A pivotal point came when Pouliot went off for a soft hook. But his teammates bailed him out. Marc Staal in particular had one of his best games. He and partner Anton Stralman each went plus-two and made key defensive plays. Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh were equally as good. Girardi had six of the team’s 11 blocked shots. McDonagh made a crucial defensive play to deny Toews.

Following the kill, Staal took a Richards pass and got a shot through from the left point that forced Crawford into a difficult save. Before he could recover, a hustling Hagelin pounced for the garbage goal at 14:03. It proved to be the winner. Hagelin leads the Blueshirts with four game-winners.

”All I know is beating the Stanley Cup champions in this building is not an easy task,” a happy Alain Vigneault said.

We’ll have to wait and see. The Rangers’ next four are at MSG starting tomorrow against Dallas. The second place Flyers visit for a big match Sunday and then the Lightning and Red Wings stop by. Every game has a day in between. This is a big opportunity. It’s high time they put together a good home stretch. With seven of the next eight at 33rd and Seventh, let’s go.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Brad Richards, NYR (11th of season, assist-best game in a while)

2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (11th of season-GW with 5:57 left-Bork!)

1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (35 saves incl. 11/11 in 3rd-Hank was Hank)