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Buffalo scores two goals in third period to defeat New York

Vancouver Canucks left wing Jeff Cowan, center, celebrates his game-winning goal near Anaheim Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere, left, and center Ryan Getzlaf during the second overtime in their NHL playoff game on Friday in Anaheim, California. PHOTO: AP

Thomas Vanek scored his second consecutive game-winner to cap a two-goal third period in Buffalo's 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Friday night.

Brian Campbell had a goal and assist and Chris Drury also scored for the Sabres, who twice rallied from one-goal deficits and grabbed a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series that shifts to New York for Game 3 today.

Ryan Miller stopped 31 shots, his best coming with 2 minutes left when he kicked out his left pad and got his glove up to foil Jaromir Jagr, who was set up in the slot.

Paul Mara and Martin Straka scored for the Rangers.

Drury tied it at 2, deflecting in Toni Lydman's shot from the blue line 24 seconds into the third.

Vanek scored 10 minutes later during a scramble in front that was set up by Drew Stafford, who blindly chipped the puck into the slot.

Vanek got to the loose puck and flipped it over Henrik Lundqvist for his fifth goal of the playoffs.

Canucks 2, Ducks 1

At Anaheim, California, Roberto Luongo made 43 saves and Jeff Cowan scored 7:49 into the second overtime to lift Vancouver over Anaheim.

The win evened their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece.

Cowan scored on a sharply angled shot that found a crack of daylight between Jean-Sebastien Giguere's right skate and the post after Anaheim's Rob Niedermayer lost the puck behind the net to Vancouver center Trevor Linden.

The goal ended an NHL record shutout streak by Giguere. The goal was the first he has ever allowed in a postseason overtime game, as Cowan's score finished Giguere's run at 190 minutes, 50 seconds.

Giguere had 12 saves in a scoreless third period and Luongo made six. The Anaheim goalie finished with 46 saves.
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