His path from prospect to potential Vezina Trophy candidate was non-linear, and included some dark days. But, beyond some better fortune with his health, one of the biggest realizations in his development was his ability to make flashy saves was not going to make him the consistent goaltender he wanted to be.

But for the fifth straight meeting between the Rangers and Avalanche, this game was also decided after regulation. The Rangers allowed their hosts to tie it up at 18:47 of the third period after the Avalanche pulled goalie Mackenzie Blackwood for an extra attacker.

Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar had a blunt, one-word summation after his team rallied for a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers, calling it “unimpressive.”

The New York Rangers remain upbeat and positive after blowing late lead and losing to the Colorado Avalanche in overtime.

The New York Rangers’ five-game point streak continues, but a 3-2 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche stings. So, what's next?

"That's the frustrating part about it: to play so well for 58 minutes and not to capitalize," Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said.

With the Avs' goalie pulled for an extra attacker, Lehkonen scored his 16th goal of the season and tied the game from the right doorstep at 18:47 of the third period. That goal marked Colorado's league-leading ninth goal at six-on-five this season.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar has stressed the importance of winning games within the division, so Saturday's game against the visiting Dallas Stars has more meaning for both teams.

Artemi Panarin scored twice, Chris Kreider got the go-ahead goal with 9:38 left and the New York Rangers rallied for a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night. Reilly Smith tied it 3-all with a short-handed goal 28 seconds into the third period for the Rangers,

They’re now 3-4-3 since the Christmas break, partially due to a major uptick in quality chances allowed at five-on-five; they were at 2.18 per 60 heading into the holiday, fourth-best in the NHL. In the 10 games since, though, they’re over 2.5.

Logan O’Connor opened the scoring 5:17 into the game and Nathan MacKinnon scored twice as Colorado scored three times on its first five shots. Arvidsson scored in the final minute of the first and Kulak and McDavid had goals in the second to tie it.