Bodog Beat

Henrik Lundqvist led the Rangers to back-to-back wins. (AI Wire photo)

So, this is why the Rangers brought Chris Drury to Broadway.

In a topsy-turvy year for New York, the Blueshirts are on the upswing again after coming away with what might be the biggest win of the season Friday night, stoning the arch-rival Devils, 3-1, in Newark, N.J.

Drury scored two goals, including the winner 2:06 into the second period. The former Buffalo Sabre and Colorado Avalanche star now has 15 goals and the Rangers have won consecutive games to move into eighth place in the Eastern Conference. They also have won all five meetings with New Jersey this season.

The Rangers signed Drury to a free-agent contract during the offseason hoping he would bring his leadership and grit to New York. He hasn’t disappointed, although some of his teammates have.

With the upset win, Rangers paid their backers +140 on the puckline (meaning a winning hockey bet of $100 would net $140).

Henrik Lundqvist made 33 saves for the victory.

In other NHL action on Friday:

Detroit 2, Colorado 0: Dominik Hasek made 15 saves to lead the Red Wings to their sixth straight victory. Detroit was a heavy -300 favorite.

Atlanta 5, Buffalo 4: Eric Perrin’s shootout goal proved to be the winner as the Thrashers pulled off a home upset. They paid +115 in Atlanta.

Florida 4, Vancouver 3: Roberto Luongo’s return to south Florida didn’t end the way he wanted as the Panthers won in a shootout. Luongo made 40 saves in the loss. Florida was a -125 favorite.

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