Live updates: Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers at Capital One Arena on New Year’s Eve

The Washington Capitals will close out 2025 with a matinee game against the New York Rangers.

After some serious struggles in December, the Caps desperately need a good performance here and to string of good play as they’re only five points out from the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Spencer Carbery has changed the lines somewhat and is turning to Charlie Lindgren in net. The Rangers will counter with Jonathan Quick.

Puck drop for today’s game is scheduled for a little after 12:30 pm. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin will have the call on Monumental Sports Network.

Also, congratulations to Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson who made the Canadian Olympic team.

Lines

Washington Capitals

New York Rangers

1st Period

Puck is dropped. McMichael-Sourdif-Wilson and Sandin-Carlson get the start.

Only five shots combined in the first 10 minutes of the game. Very slow and methodical to start from both teams.

Rempe sidesteps a huge hit attempt from Dylan McIlrath. They’re chatting.

Ryan Leonard with a craaaaaazzzzzzy backhand seam pass to Anthony Beauvillier for a layup. 1-0 Capitals.

Vincent Trocheck to the box for holding Ryan Leonard at 16:27. Caps get their first power play.

And absolutely nothing going there.

One of two Rangers completely unguarded in front of the net look to have deflected a point shot in. Bad one to give up late in the period.

At intermission: The game is tied 1-1. Shots are 7-5 Caps.

2nd Period

Puck is dropped.

Fehervary drops Conor Sheary, who I thought was retired, to the ice with a counter hit at the blue line.

In an incredible sequence of good hockey, Tom Wilson lays out Noah Laba with a clean hit and then scores in front of the net seconds later to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead. Wilson now has 20 goals on the season.

Carrick fights Tom Wilson to avenge the Laba hit. Wilson landed a majority of the shots. He’s now an assist away from a Gordie Howe hat trick. Carrick gets an extra minor for roughing at 9:13, giving the Capitals a power play.

Wilson just left the penalty box and went down to the locker room. Hope he’s okay.

Charlie Lindgren stops Vladislav Gavrikov on a shorthanded brekaway attempt. Gavrikov deked and went to his backhand.

Sourdif scores on a layup after a great setup feed from Alex Ovechkin, ending his goalless streak ends at 16 games. That was his first career PPG in the NHL.

Wilson is back in the penalty box.

Brandon Duhaime trips Conor Sheary down awkwardly on the right leg. He’s down the tunnel. The Rangers get a power play at 14:00.

Mika Zibanejad muffs a one-timer, but John Carlson nearly redirects it into his own net.

Fox booms one past Lindgren from the point. Dowd may have redirected it as he tried to block the shot.

Ethen Frank was hauled down — no penalty — and now some pushing some shoving.

Oh we got a makeup call. Adam Fox to the box for hooking John Carlson at 18:33.

At intermission: The Caps lead 3-2. Shots are 18 to 16 Capitals.

3rd Period

Puck is dropped.

Tom Wilson digs for a frozen puck. Vladislav Gavrikov shoves him out of the crease. And now Tom’s making fun of him that he’s not a tough guy. I’m howling lmao.

Connor McMichael with a chance, he’s stopped.

Connor McMichael now with a breakaway and Quick stops him with his glove on the quick shot attempt.

Charlie Lindgren goes to the cartwheel to make a save in front of the net.

Aliaksei Protas gives the Capitals a 4-2 lead, redirecting a fantastic pass from Rasmus Sandin.

That goal might have the Rangers cooked here.

Wilson has another after a great set up feed by McMichael.

Schneider beats Lindgren clean.

Tom Wilson with the Gordie Howe hat trick — a goal, assist, and fight — after assisting on Sourdif’s empty netter. That’s two goals for Sourdif too.

Caps win 6-3.

Caps beat Rangers 6-3: Tom Wilson delivers the win with Gordie Howe Hat Trick

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