NHL: N.Y. Rangers 3, Columbus 1

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Nikolai Zherdev had a goal and two assists Friday to lead the New York Rangers to a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Zherdev was making his first appearance against Columbus, which traded him and Dan Fritsche to New York for Christian Backman and Fedor Tyutin in the off-season.

Daniel Girardi had a goal and an assist and Brandon Dubinsky also scored for New York, which has lost three of five contests (2-2-1).

Henrik Lundqvist stopped all but one of the Blue Jackets' 26 shots for the win.

Jakub Voracek scored the lone goal for Columbus, which has lost four of six. Pascal Leclaire made 29 saves in defeat.