Rangers Rally Late, Win In Overtime To Take 3-2 Series Lead [VIDEO]

Marc Staal's power play slap shot just 1:35 into overtime capped a very late rally for the Rangers on Monday night giving New York a 3-2 win, and a 3-2 series lead over the Washington Capitals.

The goal was New York's second on the power play in the final 1:42 of the game, as the blue shirts tied it at 2-2 with just seven seconds to play in regulation - an amazing turn of events considering the Rangers didn't even register a shot on goal in their first three power play chances in the game.

Leading 2-1, the Caps' Joel Ward was assessed a four minute double-minor for a high stick penalty to Carl Hagelin's face that drew blood, but New York was still just 22 seconds away from a 3-2 series deficit. Playing with an empty net, the Rangers had a two man advantage when Brad Richards was able to stuff a rebound past Braden Holtby to force extra time. 

Staal's game winner was assisted by John Mitchell, while captain Ryan Callahan and Michael Del Zotto were credited with assisted on Richards' game tying tally.

Staal and Derek Stepan helped Anton Stralman get his third goal of the playoffs, giving New York a 1-0 lead in the first period.

The Caps got even and took the lead on goals from Brooks Laich and John Carlson, nearly pushing the Rangers to the brink of elimination.

Henrik Lundqvist saved 16 of the 18 shots he faced. The Capitals' 22-year-old goalie Braden Holtby stopped 35 of the 38 he faced.

The Rangers can lock up a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals with a win in Wednesday night's Game 6 as the series shifts back to Washington.