NEW YORK — Playing in the Big Apple might suit the kid from Columbus just fine.

Nikolai Zherdev built off a happy homecoming and scored the tying goal with 8.1 seconds left, and Fredrik Sjostrom netted the only goal of the shootout in the New York Rangers' stirring 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old Zherdev came to the Rangers from the Columbus Blue Jackets in an offseason trade, hoping to show the enormous potential that made him the No. 4 pick in the 2003 draft.

Zherdev had gone four games without a point before posting a goal and two assists in a successful return to Columbus on Friday. His wrist shot from the right circle Saturday sailed over Marc-Andre Fleury's shoulder to tie it at 2.

The Penguins had their three-game winning streak snapped despite entering the third period with a 2-0 lead. Fleury made 42 saves, but couldn't deny Zherdev and Sjostrom, who helped the Rangers improve to 8-2-1.

New York held an 18-2 shots advantage in the third period.

Sidney Crosby scored his third goal in four games.