Ducks take charge with overtime win

Matt Beleskey scored 45 seconds into overtime Monday night as the Anaheim Ducks beat the Chicago Blackhawks, 5-4, in Game 5 of the NHL's Western Conference finals.

The Ducks lead the best-of-seven series, three games to two.

Chicago captain Jonathan Toews scored two stunning goals in 72 seconds late in regulation to force overtime, but Beleskey barreled into the crease and scored on a rebound of Ryan Kesler's shot, flying through the air in celebration.

Kesler and Sami Vatanen had a goal and an assist apiece for the Ducks, who moved to the brink of their first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals since 2007.

The Blackhawks had won four overtime games already in this postseason and had all the momentum heading to OT this time - until Beleskey swooped in.

Game 6 is Wednesday in Chicago.

The New York Rangers will need another comeback to keep their Stanley Cup drive alive.

They again find themselves on the brink of elimination. Steven Stamkos set up Valtteri Filppula's go-ahead goal and scored another as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Rangers, 2-0, on Sunday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The Rangers have wiggled out of this spot before. They trailed the Washington Capitals, three games to one, in the conference semifinals and rallied. They also overcame a 3-1 deficit last year against Pittsburgh.

Game 6 is Tuesday night in Florida.

"We have to beat them to four games," Rangers center Derek Stepan said. "We have to go into their building and find a way to get it done."

The Rangers will need more from their power play. Tampa Bay killed off four New York power plays in clinical fashion in the opening 31 minutes of a scoreless game, allowing only four shots.

"Our execution was a bit slow tonight on the power play," Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "Because it was slow, it made it easier for them to defend. We didn't get many looks on it, and obviously that was a big part of tonight's game."

After a couple of wide-open games in Florida, the first period of Game 5 was much more a Rangers' style game. They kept the play in the Lightning zone, drew two penalties, and held a 6-4 edge in shots.

Tyler Johnson had the best chance for the Lightning early after a Ryan McDonagh turnover, but he missed the net. Chris Kreider missed the top corner of the net on the Rangers' first power play.

"The toughest one to win is the fourth one," Stamkos said. "Especially this time of year, when it is to go to the Finals."