By Kareem Shaker

Mike Rupp scored a pair of goals, just his second and third of the season, and Brad Richards tallied his 14th as the New York Rangers overcame a 2-0 deficit to topple the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in Monday's Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park.

Henrik Lunqvist stiffened between the pipes for the Rangers, getting key pad saves down the stretch and standing up to Danny Briere on a late penalty shot.

Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh was whistled for covering the puck while it was in the goal crease in the closing minute, creating Briere's opportunity.

Philadelphia had all the momentum going its way as Brayden Schenn netted his first of the season and Claude Giroux drove a shot past Lundqvist for a 2-0 lead in the second period.

It was Giroux's 18th of the campaign.

The Rangers knifed into the lead with Rupp's first goal in the second stanza. He tied it in the third before Richards pounced on a rebound for the winner just 5;21 into the third.

The team's had a scoreless first stanza.

 

Rangers coach Tortorella apologizes for refs rip, but fined $30K

The National Hockey League slapped New York Rangers coach John Tortorella a $30,000 fine for criticizing game officials following his team's 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at the Winter Classic.

Tortorella drew the ire of the league officials after lambasting referees for what had been a "disgusting" officiating.

The 53-year-old coach made a public apology afterwards but the NHL still imposed the fine as repercussion for his eyebrow-raising comments.

Executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell made an announcement about the fine and the league's strict rules against unwarranted comments.

"There is no acceptable explanation or excuse for commentary challenging the integrity of the League, its officials or its broadcast partners," Campbell told ESPN Wednesday. "People can disagree with calls by officials on the ice, but even in instances of the utmost frustration there is no justification for speaking as inappropriately and irresponsibly as Mr. Tortorella did."

Nevertheless, Tortorella regretted from using the word 'disgusting' and is open to reconcile with the league.

 

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Rangers Edge Flyers in Winter Classic