Rangers 2, Penguins 1

D Marek Malik followed his shootout heroics from last Saturday with his first goal in regulation-time play this season, as the Rangers beat Pittsburgh, 2-1 tonight at the Garden. G Henrik Lundqvist had 35 saves and is looking more and more like he oughta be option no. 1, regardless of Kevin Weekes’ health.

Ottawa was 19-3 entering Thursday’s visit to whatever the heck they call the Fleet Center these days (sorry, I’m very nostalgic). Boston, 1-10 over their last 11 games, just traded their embattled capitain to San Jose . So naturally, the Bruins won, 3-0, with newly acquired Marco Strum (above) scoring within the first 77 seconds.

Head-spinning stuff : Off Wing Opinion on a ballot initiative that would result in Quebec having its own team in international tournaments.