New York Rangers Completely Shutout Washington Capitals 6-0
The forces weren’t on Washington’s side come Friday night at the jam-packed Verizon Centre in Washington, DC. Even President Obama couldn’t help his home team from being shut out by the merciless New York Rangers 6-0. Erik Christensen has become given the
trait as a shootout expert, giving the Rangers 2 out of their 6 six goals and adding two assists earning a total four points making it a career high. Christensen has registered a total of 22 shootout goals and 10 game winners in his six year career with the
National Hockey League (NHL).
"I hate that label," Erik said. "I am more known for shootouts, so it's nice to break through and feel like I can contribute, which I can."
Rangers Coach John Tortorella felt that he had a catalytic effect on the whole team, opening up chances for fellow teammates, making them score equally in all three periods. This win makes it the second time New York has won by more than a margin of two
since locking down Toronto 7-0 in January.
Defensemen Steve Eminger who played his first game since being a healthy scratch for the past four fired the opening shot at 5:56, making it his second of this season. Christensen scored within ten minutes later off a brilliant pass from Michael Sauer shooting
it between two Capital defensemen. His second came from an assist by Ryan Callahan during the Rangers first power play advantage, elevating the lead 3-0 within five minutes of the second period.
"The last couple of games he's been more assertive, I guess," Coach Tortorella said. "He's wanted the puck and he's gotten the puck."
Derek Stepan, who assisted the opening goal, capitalised on another power play when Matt Bradley was sent out for a penalty, making it harder for the Capitals even further with 4-0 at the end of the second.
It got a little embarrassing for Washington before an audience of 18,398, not being able to score even once while their opponent got six. There came a point in the match when they were getting booed by their own fans. Washington didn’t lose due to lack of
opportunity, they had 35 attempts at net but Sweden’s own Henrik Lundqvist blocked all 35 of the shots coming at him.
"I'm not happy. Our fans deserve better," Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We deserve to get booed. It's just not acceptable and it's embarrassing."
Vaclav Prospal added New York’s fifth goal, and Brian Boyle added his 20thof the season with under a minute left to go both assisted by the shutout champion Erik Christensen.
Mike Green came back for his first matchup after a puck to the ear caused him to miss five games, but left early after taking an elbow to the head and not returning after that. His status has not been determined as of yet. Rangers were also missing defensemen
Marc Staal who suffers a knee injury after taking a hit from Brother Eric Staal in their previous game against Carolina.
Both teams stand comfortably in their playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, getting prepared for the fast approaching playoffs should be their priority now.
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