After last night’s rout of the Leafs, the Caps need a single point against the Rangers to secure the Presidents’ Trophy, Eastern Conference, and Metropolitan Division. Win or lose, the Caps can’t deny the Rangers the opportunity to clinch. The Rangers have claimed the first wild-card spot in the East and will face the Habs in the first round.
The Rangers will be without several key players, including Ryan McDonagh, who is injured. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault has elected to rest forwards Rick Nash, Mats Zuccarello, and Jesper Fast. With little to play for, this decision makes sense. On the flip side, “Seventh Defenseman” Nate Schmidt will remain in the lineup since John Carlson is still injured.
Puck drop at 8 PM on NBCSN.
| Team | Record | SA% | PDO | Power Play | Penalty Kill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | 53-18-8 | 53.1% | 102.9 | 23.5% (3rd) | 84.0% (7th) |
| New York Rangers | 47-26-6 | 48.2% | 101.0 | 20.1% (11th) | 79.7% (23rd) |
Projected Lines
No changes that we know of.
Ovechkin – Backstrom – Oshie
Johansson – Kuznetsov – Williams
Connolly – Eller – Burakovsky
Winnik – Beagle – Wilson
Alzner – Schmidt
Orlov – Niskanen
Orpik – Shattenkirk
Holtby
The Return of CFR
Caps Fan Reaction is back, baby. We hear that Steve Dangle guy does something similar, but for the Leafs.
Storylines
- Here’s a breakdown of who the Caps could face in the first round.
- With four players chilling in the press box, the Rangers won’t be at full strength.
- Penguins defenseman Kris Letang needs surgery for a herniated disc and will miss the playoffs.
- Could the NHL’s Olympic decision push Russian players to leave for the KHL?
- A look at the numbers behind last night’s drubbing of Toronto.
- Incidentally, Mike Babcock thinks the Caps “were better start to finish.”
- Kevin Shattenkirk scored his first goal as a Cap. Congrats!
- You know who else got on the scoresheet? Nate Schmidt and Tom Wilson, that’s who.
- Unlike the NHL, North Korea is likely to participate in the Olympics.
- NHL players are continuing to voice their displeasure with the League’s decision to opt out of the Olympics.
Sometimes You Need a Burger
A burger from Bob’s Burgers in real life? It exists! So do the recipes for many iconic foods from your favorite TV shows and movies.
Full Coverage of Caps vs Rangers
Headline image: Patrick Smith
