The Washington Capitals didn’t win their final game of the regular season, but it’s already an afterthought. The Rangers got an early lead and didn’t let go. Doesn’t matter– we’re moving on– just as soon as we do this recap.
Kevin Hayes struck first, sinking a backhand scoop on Braden Holtby. Derick Brassard put the Caps in a two-goal hole on the power play, and then Dominic Moore’s Crosbyesque backhand goal made it three. Alex Ovechkin punched back with his 53rd, an Ovi shot from the Ovi spot.
Jesper Fast got an empty netter in the third, and then Stan Galiev recorded his first NHL goal in the final minute.
Rangers beat Caps 4-2.
- The Rangers aren’t a very strong possession team, but their finishing has been marvelous. We saw that in action on Saturday afternoon as the Rags converted almost all their great chances– even without their best players. Hayes and Moore were lethal with surprising backhands up close, and Brassard’s outside bomb was lucky as hell.
- When your team is a lock for the playoffs, you just hope they don’t get injured. When the reinvigorated and suddenly durable Brooks Laich blocked a pair of shots with his legs in the third period, I winced. In my head:
(And because Twitter is great.)
- If this is the last time we see Stan Galiev in Caps red for the next six months, he will have left a good impression. The Caps’ fourth line– the rookie line– was great yet again, and Galiev worked hard in the paint to record his first goal as a big-leaguer. There’s a bright future for the Caps– and unlike five years ago, it’s just not on offense. P.S. Check me out:
Trotz should give Galiev a big shift here at the end.
— RMNB (@russianmachine) April 11, 2015
- Tim Gleason was involved all day– mixing it up, leading rushes (!!!) and putting up a stirring fight against Tanner Glass to placate you bloodthirsty fans (I kid, mostly.) Both combatants left bloody, so it was the best fight of the season, but “best fight” is a weird phrase, like “delicious Qdoba” or “pleasant diarrhea.”
- Alex Ovechkin had the tally man tally him one more banana with an Ovi shot from the Ovi spot. (I dunno. I’m running out of ways to talk about Ovi. you guys.)
- Braden Holtby did not break the record for most wins by a Capital goalie in a single season. He’ll have to share the honor with Olie Kolzig. Still, this might be the best performance by a Caps goalie in the history of the franchise. And he ain’t done yet. P.S. I called it.
Mondo size Joe B suit of the afternoon, via @katiebhockey
The Caps didn’t play badly today; the Rangers just converted their chances– just as they’ve done all season. They’re a weird team.
Without a point today, the Capitals might not secure home-ice advantage against the New York Islanders next week. We’ll know for sure by 10 PM tonight. Depending on the NYI-CBJ game, the Caps might be able to give the Isles an ignominious farewell to Nassau Coliseum. That’d be fun.
We’ll be shifting modes here at RMNB now. I hope you’re ready. We’re gonna have some fun.
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