Rangers at Capitals In-Game Blog: 02-25-2011

Pregame Preview:

The Caps enter the final meeting between the New York Rangers and themselves having won three of their last four games and are coming off of three days of rest. That should bode well for the team’s energy tonight.

Four of the next seven games for the Caps will be at home, which should help after a solid 3-2 road outing.

Since their 2-1 shootout win against the Capitals on January 24th, the Rangers have mustered a 3-7-1 record since, including a six game losing streak.

An interesting note: the Capitals are 13-0-0 when Alexander Semin scores a goal.

1st Period Overview:

– Jason Chimera and Michael Sauer got the period started off right with a heated fight in the third minute.

– The Rangers have been doing a good job of keeping the puck in the Capitals zone early on.

– Alex Ovechkin fired a lazer straight off of Henrik Lundqvist’s mask, prompting a hopeful reaction from the crowd.

– The Rangers are up 1-0 in the 7th minute after a Steve Eminger goal assisted by Derek Stepan.

– Mike Green has left for the locker room after taking a hit in the face from Derek Stepan.

– The Caps are unable to take advantage of their first power play 10:47 into the period after a too many men on the ice penalty is called on the Rangers on behalf of Ruslan Fedotenko.

– Erik Christenson scored off of a nice pass from Michael Sauer. 2-0 Rangers.

– The Rangers are called for a holding on Ovechkin by Ryan McDonagh. The Caps failed to take advantage of that power play as well.

Faceoffs Won: NYR – 6 WAS – 11
Hits: NYR – 6 WAS – 11
Shots on Goal: NYR – 10 WAS – 13
Goals: NYR – 2 WAS – 0

2nd Period Overview:

– Just reported in the press box: Mike Green’s return is questionable.

– Alexander Semin was called for a hooking penalty 3:06 into the period giving the Rangers the 5 on 4.

– Christensen strikes again with his second goal after a swift behind the back pass from Ryan Callahan. Rangers up 3-0.

– With 8:15 left in the period, the team breaks out the Unleash the Fury video. At this point, it’s fitting.

– Ryan Callahan heads to the sin bin with 6:31 left for tripping. Another power play chance for the Caps.

– A third power play ends without a goal from the Caps.

– With 3:47 left, Matt Bradley is sent to the penalty box for tripping.

– Stepan gets his chance and sneaks the puck behind Michal Neuvirth to put the Rangers up 4-0. It’s his 17th goal on the season.

– The Caps offense is lifeless and does not show a strong sense of urgency tonight.

– A change of goalie may be in store for the third period.

Faceoffs Won: NYR – 14 WAS – 11
Hits: NYR – 7 WAS – 10
Shots on Goal: NYR – 11 WAS – 5
Goals: NYR – 2 WAS – 0

3rd Period Overview:

– The Caps get their first PP chance just 1:05 in after Vinny Prospal holds Brooks Laich but Laich makes it 4 on 4 with a high sticking. That’s a 4 minute minor for Laich.

– Vinny Prospal knocks in his third goal of the season, making the score 5-0.

– Just over halfway through the third period and the Caps just seem to be going through the motions and want to get this game over with. It has looked that way for a while now.

– 11:16 in Ryan McDonagh is called for a high sticking, giving the Caps another PP.

– Brian Boyle rubbed salt in the Capitals’ wounds with the Rangers’ sixth goal of the night with less than 34 seconds left.

Faceoffs Won: NYR – 10 WAS – 9
Hits: NYR – 4 WAS – 5
Shots on Goal: NYR – 7 WAS – 11
Goals: NYR – 2 WAS – 0