Photo: Geoff Burke
“Imploded,” “epic tantrum,” “baby stuff”: that’s what the New York tabloids looked like after the Rangers’ 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Rangers wondered aloud how they were going stuff the NHL’s best team the following night, the same one that leads them by 18 points for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Capitals made it pretty easy for them in the first. Less than six minutes into the game, Braden Holtby turned the puck over before Ryan McDonagh fired a shot from the point that took down Jesper Fast and Brooks Orpik. Dan Girardi then launched the loose puck towards the net. Fast shoveled it past Braden Holtby before Orpik even knew what was going on. Later in the period, the Rangers camped in the Capitals’ zone after a Karl Alzner tripping penalty. After New York hit two posts, Keith Yandle unleash a bullet past Holtby.
In the second, the Capitals began to turn things around, taking the lead in shots on goal and shot attempts on Jay Beagle’s first goal since returning to the lineup after the Capitals poked Antti Raanta like your they were your grandma on Facebook and you were you. The Caps continued to press the pace in the second, drawing a late period penalty. On the ensuing power play, T.J. Oshie flew into the zone, scored his 19th goal of the season, and busted his face to tie the game.
In the third, a sloppy turnover by Dmitry Orlov gave New York the lead. The Caps came close, but couldn’t come back from the early hole. No more of these guys until seven game playoff series that ends in disaster. Rangers beat Caps 3-2.
Caps goal differential by period:
1st 0
2nd +24
3rd +33— Larry Duvall (@DuvallSpx) March 5, 2016
- For most of the game, the third line was awful. At one point, just nine percent of shot attempts were going the Capitals’ way with Tom Wilson on the ice. His linemates, Marcus Johansson and Jason Chimera, were in the low 20s. By a fantastic late second period shift peppered Raanta with shots and caused Tanner Glass to take a slashing penalty. That shift turned things around for the trio, who played well the rest of the game.
- That led to brilliant unassisted goal by T.J. Oshie for his fifth point in three games. The Capitals power play, which was awful a few weeks ago, has now scored in five straight games.
- The fourth line were monsters. Ninety percent of even-strength shot attempts went the Capitals’ way when Mike Richards was on the ice. Daniel Winnik and Jay Beagle were in the 80s. They were forechecking and grinding in the Rangers zone all night. And after a nine minute review, Beagle even added his first goal since December 28. Until now, the Capitals had never lost in regulation when he scores.
- The last five Caps games have been ended with a 3-2 final. Ten of their last 16 games have also finished 3-2. It might have something to do with the Caps spotting their opponents two goals leads.
- Dmitry Orlov and Brooks Orpik looks as confused as newborn giraffe on the ice. Ideally Orpik can be aggressive while Orpik provides stay-at-home cover. Tonight, Orlov made silly turnovers while Orpik was about as mobile as the Washington Monument. The pair played a staring rule in both of New York even-strength goals while Orpik role on the PK ensured he had a good look at all three of the Rangers’ tallies.
- Mike Weber led the Capitals in shots on goal and shot attempts. Screw it.
The Capitals outplayed the Rangers, but were doomed by a bad start and a couple terrible plays. Caps-Bruins tomorrow night.
Oh well. Light the night on fire.
