Wild Vs. Rangers Final Score: Minnesota Allows New York To Extend East Lead In 3-2 Loss

The Minnesota Wild wouldn't go away against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, but ultimately the Blue Shirts put the game away in the third period, 3-2. The win helped the Rangers extend their Eastern Conference lead to three points, thanks in part to the New York Islanders beating the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight.

The Wild trailed twice in the game by a goal, but came back from both with power play netters to tie it. The second was captain Mikko Koivu's 11th goal of the season after Marian Gaborik scored his 38th for the Rangers. Interestingly, it was the first time this season that a Koivu goal was assisted on by both Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi.

The Rangers won it on a wrist shot by Ruslan Fedotenko in the third period on a goal the Wild's head coach felt was given away. The Wild had a man advantage when they pulled goaltender Josh Harding in the final minute, but couldn't get anything else by Henrik Lundqvist, who had 24 saves. Harding made 29 stops in the loss.

Minnesota plays Florida on Thursday.

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Wild Vs. Rangers Preview: Minnesota Looking To Play Spoiler

For more on the Minnesota Wild, go to Hockey Wilderness.