NHL : Breakaway Goals Help Rangers Beat the Blues, 4-1

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers scored on breakaways by Ed Olczyk and Alexei Kovalev during the second period en route to a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Monday.

John Vanbiesbrouck stopped 34 shots for the Rangers, who were 1-5-2 in their previous eight games.

Sergei Zubov and Tony Amonte scored during the rist period for the Rangers, who moved one point ahead of New Jersey into third place in the Patrick Division.

“The two breakaways seemed to break their back,” said Ranger captain Mark Messier, who had two assists. “We opened things up and it only takes a play or two to deflate an opponent.”

The Rangers outshot the Blues during the first period, 17-6, getting the first 11 shots before the game was six minutes old. The Blues came back during the second period, outshooting New York, 17-10.

“That was a great period for us,” said Brendan Shanahan, St. Louis left wing. “But Vanbiesbrouck played well and we made two stupid mistakes. Those two plays were the key to the game.”

Each time, the Blues swarmed in the Rangers’ end, but left themselves open to counterattack.

First, Messier sprung Olczyk with a lead pass at center ice. Olczyk feigned one shot and flipped a backhander past goaltender Curtis Joseph.

After Brett Hull scored his 40th goal on a power play two minutes later, Joe Cirella sent Kovalev in with a similar lead pass.

The Russian rookie faked Joseph from the goal crease, leaving Kovalev with an easy forehand shot.