The Capitals hosted the Rangers for a Saturday night showdown and came out with guns a blazing. But a feisty second period by the Rangers was too much for the Capitals as the Caps lose 3-2. 
Starting Goalies:
Capitals: Braden Holtby
Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist

1st Period: 
Capitals– The Capitals got off to a great start, with marquee offseason acquisition Lars Eller scoring his first goal of the season by deflecting a Brooks Orpik shot from the point.

That was fast. @Eller_89 #CapsNYR on @CSNMA pic.twitter.com/2oyw7ae6vn

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 22, 2016

The Capitals gained some momentum by killing off a Karl Alzner tripping penalty. Rookie Zach Sanford had numerous chances for his first NHL goal but couldn’t convert.

Alex Ovechkin strengthened the Caps’ lead by two with a gorgeous goal that involved turning Rangers defenseman Marc Staal inside out and the Caps headed into the 1st intermission leading 2-0, despite having seven giveaways in the first.

Vintage @ovi8. Using the defender as a screen. #CapsNYR on @CSNMA pic.twitter.com/bc6F2KrEJV

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 22, 2016

Rangers– Despite having two power plays, the Blueshirts failed to score in the opening frame. They failed to generate much in the way of offense, but did lead the Caps in shots 13-10.

2nd Period
Capitals- After giving up a goal early on, the Caps had a prime opportunity to take control of the game when they were awarded with a four-minute power play, but failed to score.

The Capitals’ struggled to create consistent offensive pressure throughout the second and had 11 giveaways with nine minutes to go. They continued to struggle when they allowed the Rangers to score on a power play, and in doing so, tying the game. They then allowed Jimmy Vesey to score his second goal of the game, adding to their struggles.

Rangers– The Rangers began the second period much better than the first, as Brandon Pirri cut the deficit to one with a shot from the faceoff.

However, things took a bad turn when forward Mika Zibanejad caught Caps forward T.J. Oshie up high, drawing blood for a double minor high-sticking penalty.

Fortunately, the Rangers killed off the double minor and put tremendous pressure on Holtby. After Caps defenseman Matt Niskanen was called for roughing, Rangers rookie Jimmy Vesey scored to tie the game at 2-2.

Vesey then made a beautiful move around normally solid defender Karl Alzner to put the Blueshirts up 3-2.

The Rangers again led the Caps in shots 18-17.

3rd Period
Capitals– The Caps started off the final frame playing better than they had been at the end of the second. However, the Caps continued turning the puck over, giving the Rangers numerous scoring opportunities. The Caps had several decent looks, but could not get their shots past Henrik Lundqvist.

Rangers- New York came out of the second intermission continuing to put immense offensive pressure on the Capitals. They nearly converted on a few of many giveaways by the Caps. However, they stifled the Caps in the third, thanks to the play of goalie Henrik Lundqvist. They added an empty net goal to secure a 4-2 win.

Capitals Player of the Game
Lars Eller: 1 G, 1 hit, 2 S, 13:42 TOI

Special Teams
Capitals:  0/2 PP, 2/3 PK, 6:00 PIM
Rangers:  1/3 PP, 2/2 PK,  4:00 PIM

Team Notes:

– Alex Ovechkin scored a goal for the third straight game after being held scoreless through the first two games of the season.

– This was Rangers rookie Jimmy Vesey’s first career game against the Caps. It was also his first career multi-goal game.

– All Capitals defensemen (with the exception of Taylor Chorney) have at least one assist this season.

By Michael Fleetwood

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