Rangers vs Capitals: Rangers score five unanswered, rally after Capitals

The New York Rangers had two huge points in the standings tonight as they rallied with five unanswered goals against the Washington Capitals. Artemiy Panarin added a goal and two assists, while Adam Fox scored the go-ahead goal at 6:32 of the third period. Igor Shesterkin was once again phenomenal in goals for the Rangers as he single-handedly kept New York afloat early in the game.

1st period

TJ Oshie (9) – Nicklas Backstrom (24) and John Carlson (22) PPG – 2:23

New York struggled to find their legs early in the game and as a result they were shorthanded just 1:42 into the game. Less than a minute into the man’s advantage, the Capitals were able to capitalize on a quick passing game below the goal line. The quick puck movement kept the Rangers moving and it ultimately opened up a passing lane in the middle of the ice. Nicklas Backstrom was able to find TJ Oshie inside the high slot, and Oshie absolutely wired a timer in front of Igor Shesterkin.

Nic Dowd (7) – Garnet Hathaway (8) and Brenden Dillon (9) – 4:22

Almost two minutes later, the Rangers found themselves lost by a pair of goals on the scoreboard. Washington managed to get some heavy traffic in front of the net, and they managed to block the free puck. Nic Dowd was finally credited with the goal after the Capitals had four free kicks to the puck, and he barely slipped over the goal line. The goal was reviewed momentarily by the on-ice officials, but was quickly considered a good goal.

Filip Chytil (6) – Unassisted – 15:36

The Rangers needed some sort of life after their miserable start to the game, and Filip Chytil provided it. Chytil did a great read on his own blue line to take the puck and generate a wide open breakaway opportunity. With plenty of time and space, Chytil made a quick swing back to his forehand and searched the puck just inside the far post. Vitek Vanecek couldn’t stretch enough to make the save, and the Rangers were back with just one goal.

2nd period

No rating.

3rd period

Kaapo Kakko (5) – Ryan Strome (22) and Artemiy Panarin (22) – 4:10

Still chasing the tying goal, the Rangers continued to pick up the pace and ultimately forced Washington into yet another costly mistake. Artemiy Panarin managed to spot an intentional pass from Zdeno Chara and turned the play into a 3v2 run in the other direction. Panarin found Ryan Strome cutting the right boards and that drew in two more defenders with the pass. This left Kaapo Kakko wide open at the top of the fold for an easy tap-in to tie up the game to two each.

Adam Fox (4) – Artemiy Panarin (23) and Ryan Lindgren (10) – 6:32

New York was able to keep pressuring the Capitals and just over two minutes after they tied the game they jumped ahead. Adam Fox managed to find some free space while carrying the puck and challenged the Capitals in the high box. Fox managed to escape Alex Ovechkin’s backcheck and glanced at his backhand. Vitek Vanecek was unable to react to the perfectly placed shot, and the Rangers took their first and only lead of the evening.

Artemiy Panarin (9) – Brendan Smith (4) – 15:41

Hanging on to their one-goal lead late in the third period, the Rangers desperately needed an insurance scorer to calm their nerves. This is where Artemiy Panarin entered the fray, going unnoticed in the neutral zone and breaking free during a breakaway. Brendan Smith made a perfect out pass behind his own goal line and caught up with Panarin in stride. The Breadman eased the Capitals goalie’s job with a deft swing to his backhand and improved the Rangers lead to two goals.

Pavel Buchnevich (14) – Ryan Lindgren (11) SHG – 19:25

The game was far from over with the Capitals’ firepower on the ice, but the Rangers did a great job keeping the game on the outside. Fortunately, the Rangers caught a lucky rebound with a shot out of the post and were able to take possession of it. Ryan Lindgren quickly put the puck on the ice to Pavel Buchnevich, who froze the game with an empty shorthanded goal.

The start of the game was far from ideal for the Rangers and while it looked like the night was going to be long, New York turned the story around. They did a great job forcing the Capitals to play uncomfortable plays in tight situations and were able to capitalize on various counterattacks through the neutral zone. Igor Shesterkin played a big part in this game keeping the Rangers above the water early in the first period. This game could have easily been slipped away, but New York showed great mental toughness to stick to their game plan.

Following tonight’s big win against the Capitals, the Rangers will hit the road again for a two-game game against the Buffalo Sabers starting Thursday night.