Raanta Shines in Shutout Over Blackhawks

CHICAGO -- Antti Raanta made Alain Vigneault's decision to start him on back-to-back nights look like a good one after the netminder turned in a 26-save shutout in the Rangers' 1-0 overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nick Holden scored 55 seconds into overtime to secure the victory and Raanta's fifth shutout of his career.

"We kept on playing like we played last night," said Raanta, who faced his former team for the first time. "We know that there's lots of skill on this team also and we were just trying to be careful with those first couple lines. Guys were doing a great job again in front of me. I got a good start for the game, good save there. Got that little nervous out of my system, then it was just enjoying playing here again. A great building and great fans. A special night. It was nice to get that 1-0 win."

Holden's fourth goal of the season came during a Rangers line change when he replaced Ryan McDonagh. The defenseman took a pass in stride from Derek Stepan and fired a wrist shot that beat Scott Darling blocker side for the win.

"We got kind of a 3-on-2. McDonagh changed and I jumped on," Holden said. "Stepan made a great play. A quick turnaround and popped it right to me. I had some speed and Kreids was driving to the net so I kind of looked at him and then just shot it just over the blocker."

Despite the low score, the game hardly lacked excitement as both teams had glorious chances throughout the contest but were stymied by great goaltending on both sides.

The Rangers' best opportunity came on a partial 2-on-0 in the second period when Marek Hrivik fed Jesper Fast, but a diving Darling was able to keep the puck out of the cage.

Raanta made two great saves on Patrick Kane, and another dazzling save on Richard Panik midway through the middle frame to keep the game scoreless.

Chicago appeared to break through with 14 minutes to play on a goal by Marian Hossa, but New York challenged the play was offside and won to negate the goal. It was the team's first successful challenge of the season.

Raanta admitted there were nerves entering the game, but those quickly evaporated and he settled down to turn in the first shutout of his season.

"Of course [there were nerves]. First time here in this building, how loud the fans can be and the National Anthem when it's starting," said Raanta, who is now 15-0-3 at United Center. "When you get the first save you pretty much don't think about those anymore, you just focus on the next shot. It was great to come here and play. A little nervous but it was a good thing that it ended like this."