In OT, Rangers Topple Capitals In Game 7

The New York Rangers were able to overcome a 3-1 series deficit and a guarantee from Alex Ovechkin - that was backed by his first period goal - to upend the Washington  Capitals 2-1 in overtime of Game 7 on the Eastern Conference Semis on Wednesday night.

Derek Stepan went top shelf to put back a rebound over Braden Holtby in overtime as the defending East champions earned a trip back to the conference finals, doing it with three straight wins while facing elimination for consecutive seasons - a first in league history.

Trailing 1-0 after 20 minutes of play, Kevin Hayes got the Blue Shirts even at one in the second period on beautiful setup from J.T. Miller and Ryan McDonagh that left half the goal uncovered by Holtby. Holtby ended with 37 saves and was remarkable throughout the series in goal.

Henrik Lundqvist was even better and continued his Game 7 dominance stopping 35 of the 36 shots he faced.

The Rangers host Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the East Finals on Saturday afternoon at 1:00.