Devon Toews scores in overtime and Avalanche rally for 3-2 win over Rangers

DENVER (AP) — Devon Toews scored 4:23 into overtime after Artturi Lehkonen tied the game late in regulation, and the Colorado Avalanche began a five-game homestand with a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.

It was the Avalanche's 14th comeback victory of the season.

Toews took a pass from Nathan MacKinnon and one-timed a shot past Igor Shesterkin from the right circle. Earlier in overtime, Colorado killed off a power play following an interference penalty on Mikko Rantanen, and Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood stopped Mika Zibanejad on a breakaway.

Parker Kelly scored in the first period for Colorado. With Blackwood pulled for an extra skater, Lehkonen tied it 2-all off a rebound with 1:13 remaining in the third.

Cale Makar had an assist to reach 50 points for the fifth time in his career. It’s the most 50-point seasons by a defenseman in franchise history.

Blackwood made 27 saves, including several sprawling ones to keep the Avalanche in position to rally.

Sam Carrick had a goal and an assist for New York, which earned at least one point for the fifth straight game (3-0-2). Adam Edstrom also scored, and defenseman Ryan Lindgren had five of the team's 23 blocked shots.

Makar set up Kelly’s goal in the first but also fumbled the puck on a power play, leading to Carrick’s short-handed goal that tied the game.

Shesterkin finished with 23 saves.

Rangers: Went 3 for 3 on the penalty kill and scored their sixth short-handed goal of the season. But the Rangers were 0 for 3 on the power play.

Avalanche: Makar joined Rantanen and MacKinnon in the 50-point club for Colorado this season. MacKinnon had two assists.

Blackwood came up with save after save in overtime.

Rangers defenseman Adam Fox skated in his 400th NHL game. He has 341 career points.

Colorado and New York both play Thursday, with the Avalanche hosting Edmonton and the Rangers playing at Utah.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

New York Rangers center Adam Edstrom, right, collects the puck as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews covers in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews, left, checks New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin as he collects the puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood pulls on his gloves as a time out ends in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, left, collects the puck as New York Rangers center Adam Edstrom defends in the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly, right, collects the puck as New York Rangers defenseman Urho Vaakanainen defends in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin makes a stick save in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

New York Rangers center Sam Carrick, right, fights for control of the puck as Colorado Avalanche defenseman John Ludvig covers in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood deflects the puck in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews, right, congratulates center Parker Kelly after he scored a goal in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that he hasn't heard anything from the NFL that would prevent Stefon Diggs from playing in Sunday's regular-season finale as the receiver faces strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef.

The Patriots voiced their support for Diggs in a statement Tuesday after the allegations became public. Vrabel echoed that support.

“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said. "I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.”

Diggs didn't speak with reporters Wednesday as he has typically done throughout the season. But he was in the locker room prior to practice and on the practice field with the team.

The NFL issued a statement saying Diggs is eligible to play.

News of the charges against Diggs emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.

According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money.

Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described the allegations as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.

A court arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23.

Vrabel said he didn't anticipate the situation being a distraction for his team. The Patriots are currently 13-3 and have already wrapped up their first AFC East title since 2019. With a victory against Miami on Sunday and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the Chargers, New England would also secure the conference's top seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.

“I think these are allegations. ... Things that we have to handle,” Vrabel said. "Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins.”

Diggs, 32, joined New England before this season after a trade from Houston. He has been a standout player for the Patriots, leading the team with 82 catches and 970 yards receiving.

AP reporters Mike Casey in Boston, and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania contributed.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) runs against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)