NHL: Montreal Stays Alive

MONTREAL (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens have managed to force a sixth game in the NHL's Eastern Conference finals after blowing a three-goal lead midway through Tuesday's 7-4 win over the New York Rangers.

Rene Bourque had a hat trick and five of his teammates had at least two points to help the Canadiens win at home for the first time in the series. It appeared the Habs were going to win in a rout once Max Pacioretty and Bourque scored 3:10 apart to make it 4-1 early in the second period. The big lead also caused Rangers coach Alain Vigneault to pull Henrik Lundqvist from the nets.

The Blueshirts needed 4 1/2 minutes to tie the game. Rick Nash beat Dustin Tokarski with the Rangers' first shot of the period at 9:48 before Derek Stepan notched his second goal of the night. Chris Kreider's power-play goal tied it 4-4, but it took another 58 seconds before Bourque put the Canadiens ahead to stay.

Bourque completed his hat trick 6 1/2 minutes into the third period.

Game 6 is Thursday at Madison Square Garden.