NHL: N.Y. Rangers 3, N.Y. Islanders 1

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Henrik Lundqvist did not allow a goal over the last two periods Wednesday, helping the New York Rangers to a much-needed 3-1 win over the New York Islanders.

The Rangers had lost three straight and eight out of nine, a skid that has seen them fall from first to third place in the Atlantic Division.

Lundqvist had lost three appearances in a row while the Rangers' offense struggled. He gave up a game-tying goal to Mark Streit midway through the first period, but was perfect the rest of the contest.

Scott Gomez gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead at 7:26 of the second with a power-play goal and Fredrik Sjostrom scored into an empty net to clinch the victory with 7 seconds remaining in the third.

Yann Danis stopped 35-of-37 shots in taking the loss.

The Rangers have beaten the Islanders in four of their five meetings this season. The Islanders have lost six of their last seven and are mired in last place in the Eastern Conference.