NEW YORK, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Thomas Vanek scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period Tuesday and the surging New York Islanders rallied to knock off the New York Rangers 5-3.
The Islanders trailed 3-1 in the second period before reeling off the next four goals en route to their seventh win in nine games.
Thomas Hickey and Colin McDonald scored 3 minutes apart late in the second to forge a 3-3 tie.
With 5:35 left in the third, the Rangers were whistled for having too many men on the ice, and Islanders went on a power play.
Frans Nielsen sent the puck into the slot, where John Tavares chipped it to Vanek at the side of the net. The Islanders winger put it past Cam Talbot with a forehand shot for the decisive score.
Vanek and Nielsen each finished with a goal and an assist. Tavares registered three assists for the Isles.
Matt Martin also scored and Kevin Poulin recorded 30 saves for the victory.
Rick Nash scored twice for the Rangers, whose three-game winning streak was snapped.
Chris Kreider added a goal with two assists and Talbot ended with 32 stops.
