The New York Rangers faced one of their bigger tests of the young season, as they headed to Washington to face the Caps.
- New York Rangers: 3 (2-4-1, five points)
- Washington Capitals: 4 (3-2-1, seven points)
- NYR Goal Scorers: Mika Zibanejad (2), Jimmy Vesey (3), Chris Kreider (4)
- WSH Goals: John Carlson (3), Alex Ovechkin (5, 6), Matt Niskanen (1)
- Final, OT. NHL. Boxscore.
- Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Following an impressive 3-2 shootout win over the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday night, the New York Rangers headed to the nations’ capital to square off against the defending champion Washington Capitals.
It was a tightly contested game between the two long rivals. A contest that ended up seeing the Caps prevail with a 4-3 overtime victory, despite the Blueshirts making it interesting.
You have to like what you saw from the young Blueshirts who were able to keep up with one of the games best. One can argue that the only reason New York came on the wrong side of this one was due to their special teams.
The Rangers were unable to win the penalty game Wednesday where they allowed two powerplay goals. Both goals were scored from none other than Alex Ovechkin in his familiar spot, the left point.
But, that did not keep the Rangers from doing what they have done all season long, compete.
They were given their fourth opportunity on the power play and would convert for the second time of the night.
Kreider scores on the power play to tie the game 3-3, Pionk and Zibanejad assist. Two points for Kreider and Zibanejad (1G 1A each), assists on all three goals for Pionk so far. pic.twitter.com/lIWJQLBuHk
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) October 18, 2018
Chris Kreider would deflect a Neal Pionk shot from the point past Braden Holtby to tie this one at three. Pionk would finish the night with three assists as this one would require overtime.
Just after Henrik Lundqvist made a glove save, Matt Niskanen would get to the rebound and win it for the Caps 2:18 into the extra period. Lundqvist just was not able to catch the puck allowing for the easy tap-in and a Rangers loss.
The Rangers were able to salvage three out of a possible four points against to playoff teams from 2017-18. A good way to head into a three-day layoff.
New York will be back in action Sunday vs. Calgary at Madison Square Garden.