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A return and a win: Caps beat Rangers 5-2

By Chris Cerullo

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October 18, 2019 9:36 pm

The Washington Capitals met up with a couple blueshirts from The Empire State for Michal Kempny’s return to the lineup. In a battle of handsome netminders, who would end up with the big ole W?

TJ Oshie drew an early power play and was the goal scorer on said power play. Pavel Buchnevich tied things up with a power play goal of his own. Michal Kempny announced his return with a goal. Nic Dowd’s first of the year extended the lead.

Artemi Panarin brought the Rangers within one after a sweet give and go. TJ Oshie tipped home a drive from the point. Garnet Hathaway empty netter.

Caps beat Rangers 5-2!

  • The Caps started a little slow after scoring the early power play goal, but in the end dominated the first period at even strength. They ended up with all of the shot quality in the period and were probably unlucky not to pot at least one more goal heading into intermission.
  • Michal Kempny is back and…he just got head shotted by Brendan Lemieux and…he’s now taking shifts with Carlson…and he now has scored a goal.
  • Speaking of the hit by Lemieux, that was nasty and absolutely ridiculous that he came away with no punishment for it within the game. He should receive said due punishment at a later date by the league, but for now we will have to settle with Radko Gudas’ short fight against him.

  • Second period definitely felt sloppier to me from a Caps perspective. A lot more running around in the defensive zone and needed bailouts from Braden Holtby (who was fantastic overall). Don’t think the Caps liked how often they were trading chances with the Rangers, even if the only thing really keeping New York anywhere close was the Swedish legend in net.
  • With an assist on Kempny’s goal, Alex Ovechkin (1,220) has passed Jean Beliveau (1,219) for the 42nd most points in NHL history. The Gr8est.
  • John Carslon added three more points to his already impressive 14 on the season. Cant stop, won’t stop.
  • Max Scherzer and a bunch of other Nats were in the house. Max dropped a baseball instead of a puck at the ceremonial opening faceoff and Adam Eaton read tonight’s starting lineup to the Caps room.

  • The Caps dominated the third period which some might have expected due to the Rangers back-to-back status. These two teams are not a match this season back-to-back or not.
  • Henrik Lundqvist kept the Caps from a probable at least five goal victory. What a performance from the King.
  • Two fights in this one. The first between Gudas and Lemieux was a draw. Garnet Hathaway handily beat Brendan Smith.

A five game road trip awaits and it features a western Canada swing. Get your real cold weather clothes ready, boys.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Rangers

Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington

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