UNIONDALE, N.Y., March 6 (UPI) -- Sean Avery scored twice and Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves Thursday in leading the New York Rangers past the New York Islanders 4-1.
The Rangers earned a split in the home-and-home series, having dropped a 4-3, shootout decision to the Islanders Tuesday.
Brendan Shanahan and Scott Gomez also scored for the Rangers, who have won eight of their last 11 games. The three losses in that stretch have all come in overtime or in a shootout.
The Islanders have lost three out of four.
Shanahan scored on a breakaway just 1:29 into the contest. Avery, left alone in front, tipped a shot from Marek Malik past goaltender Wade Dubielewicz to make it 2-0 with 6:35 left in the opening period.
Avery's other goal was an empty-netter in the final minute.
