Capitals-Rangers Preview
Share This Story
The New York Rangers have a short turnaround following a contentious game with a division rival. Some motivation might help them fight off any resulting fatigue.
In a game that starts early Sunday afternoon, the Eastern Conference-leading Rangers will host the Washington Capitals for the first time since last year's playoff defeat.
New York (35-13-5) moved six points ahead of Philadelphia in the Atlantic Division with its fifth win in as many tries over the Flyers this season. Ryan Callahan recorded his second career hat trick and Marian Gaborik had a season-high four points during a game that featured a combined 110 penalty minutes, including a season-high 42 for the Rangers.
New York also scored three power-play goals to match its total over the previous 19 games (3 for 50).
"We're just trying to keep the swagger on anybody we play," coach John Tortorella said. "We're trying to stay consistent in our preparation. We're trying to stay consistent in how we play and just try to keep the momentum on our side."
Tortorella's club, which didn't clinch a playoff berth until the last day of last season, lost to the top-seeded Capitals in five games in the first round of the playoffs. New York also lost in seven games to Washington in the 2009 Eastern quarterfinals.
The Rangers, 6-1-1 over their last eight, have split two games with Washington this season, winning 6-3 on Nov. 25 and falling 4-1 on Dec. 28. Martin Biron started the latter contest and could be in net again with his team playing on consecutive days.
Biron, though, is 2-4-2 in his last eight regular-season appearances against Washington, while starter Henrik Lundqvist has two shutouts in a personal three-game win streak versus the Capitals. He also had a 2.26 goals-against average in last year's playoff series.
While the Rangers are well on their way to returning to the postseason, the Capitals (28-21-5) are fighting to stay in contention. They are one point behind eighth-place Toronto and two back of Southeast Division leader Florida.
Washington helped itself with a 4-0 home victory over the Panthers on Tuesday but wrapped up its three-game homestand with a 3-2 shootout defeat to Winnipeg two days later, giving up two goals in the final 2:15 of regulation.
The first of those were scored after Brooks Laich was sent to the penalty box for playing with a broken stick and the second was on a deflected 82-foot shot.
"We should have had the hockey game," Laich said. "It's disappointing to lose it that way."
The Capitals will play six of their next eight on the road, where they're 9-14-3, and they open a four-game trip in Florida on Friday. Including the two recent playoff series, Washington is 7-3-1 in its last 11 at Madison Square Garden.
"It'll be an intense game," coach Dale Hunter said. "They had Philly (on Saturday) and have us (on Sunday), so it's two big games for them. ... We have to be ready to play."
Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has been ready lately with three goals and an assist over his last two games. He had a team-best six points (three goals, three assists) during last season's playoff series, and has one goal and two assists in the two matchups this season.
Callahan, who fractured his right leg before last year's playoffs, has two goals and five assists over his last four games against Washington.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Bonds faces future, can't forget past
Barry Bonds is publicly referring to himself as a convicted felon these days, and he'... -
LeBron, Wade lift Heat to Game 1 win
LeBron, Heat get better of Celtics in Game 1. -
Report: Duncan won't leave Spurs
Two-time league MVP Tim Duncan said he has little interest in testing out the free-ag... -
Manager: Boxer Williams paralyzed
Paul Williams paralyzed in crash but aims to return to ring, trainer says. -
Mickelson in group out to buy Padres
Phil Mickelson has joined a group of investors who want to buy his hometown Major Lea...
NHL Videos
Stanley Cup Preview: X Factors
Posted: May 29, 2012
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy channels Simon Cowell to pick his Stanley Cup Final X F...
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy channels Simon Cowell to pick his Stanley Cup Final X F...
Stanley Cup Preview: Key Matchups
Posted: May 28, 2012
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy breaks down the key matchups between the Kings and the ...
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy breaks down the key matchups between the Kings and the ...
Stanley Cup Preview: Coaches & Strategy
Posted: May 28, 2012
Who will be drinking out of the Stanley Cup? FOX Sports' Larry Murphy makes his ...
Who will be drinking out of the Stanley Cup? FOX Sports' Larry Murphy makes his ...
NHL Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reebok Pittsburgh Penguins #87 Sidney Crosby Black Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Pittsburgh_Penguins/browse/featuredproduct/175178/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_175000/FF_175178_xl.jpg&w=100 | 159.95 | Reebok Pittsburgh Penguins #87 Sidney Crosby Black Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Reebok Dallas Stars White Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Dallas_Stars/browse/featuredproduct/243363/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_243000/FF_243363_xl.jpg&w=100 | 124.95 | Reebok Dallas Stars White Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Reebok Tampa Bay Lightning Primary Logo T-Shirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Tampa_Bay_Lightning/browse/featuredproduct/301017/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_301000/ff_301017_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Reebok Tampa Bay Lightning Primary Logo T-Shirt - Royal Blue |
| Majestic Anaheim Ducks Black Official Logo Full Zip Hoody Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Anaheim_Ducks/browse/featuredproduct/398322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_398000/FF_398322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 54.95 | Majestic Anaheim Ducks Black Official Logo Full Zip Hoody Sweatshirt |
| Detroit Red Wings Youth Black Southpaw Backpack | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Red_Wings/browse/featuredproduct/403205/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_403000/FF_403205_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Detroit Red Wings Youth Black Southpaw Backpack |
| Reebok Chicago Blackhawks #88 Patrick Kane Red Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Blackhawks/browse/featuredproduct/408123/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_408000/FF_408123_xl.jpg&w=100 | 159.95 | Reebok Chicago Blackhawks #88 Patrick Kane Red Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Majestic New Jersey Devils Red Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoody Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_Jersey_Devils/browse/featuredproduct/456774/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_456000/ff_456774_xl.jpg&w=100 | 54.95 | Majestic New Jersey Devils Red Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoody Sweatshirt |
| Vancouver Canucks 2011 NHL Western Conference Champions Hockey Stick | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Vancouver_Canucks/browse/featuredproduct/665779/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_665000/ff_665779_xl.jpg&w=100 | 11.95 | Vancouver Canucks 2011 NHL Western Conference Champions Hockey Stick |
| Reebok San Jose Sharks In-Stick-Tive T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_San_Jose_Sharks/browse/featuredproduct/700543/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_700000/ff_700543_xl.jpg&w=100 | 17.95 | Reebok San Jose Sharks In-Stick-Tive T-Shirt - Black |
| Majestic New York Islanders Royal Blue Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Islanders/browse/featuredproduct/752594/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_752000/ff_752594_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.95 | Majestic New York Islanders Royal Blue Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.