New York Rangers play host to the Washington Capitals, Game 4 – NHL playoffs
The New York Rangers will be hosting the fourth game of the quarter-final series at the Madison Square Garden this Wednesday as they face the Washington Capitals.
The Rangers gave the Capitals a very tough time in the first two games but lost. However, the last game that was played at the Madison Square Garden saw the Rangers winning the game 3-2 to trail 1-2 in the series.
The Rangers will be hoping that they win the game and level the series while the Capitals will be hoping to win and become the first team to win an away game in the series.
The Capitals were looking in good shape in the last game as the scores were level and it looked as if the game would go into overtime. However, the disappointing thing during the game was that the Capitals were unable to convert any of their eight penalties. Fortunately for the Rangers, they scored through Brandon Dubinsky with two minutes of play remaining to win the game 3-2 in the end.
The Capitals are facing a very big problem with their offence as they fail to score goals. Though they have scored two goals in each of the first three games, but once the Rangers get going, they have the capability of scoring more than two goals. The Capitals have always had the problems of scoring goals that has resulted in them scoring only 9 goals in the last six playoff games.
“I think it is very important for us to get pucks deep and make it a physical-style game against their D,” Alex Ovechkin said. “We don't have lots of shots in the first two periods and when you don't have shots you can't score. If we have the shots we have to find the rebounds and make some chances.”
The Rangers were in a good shape to win the first game but the Capitals took it in overtime. However, their offence clicked in game three and they managed to notch up a win. Now, they have a chance to take the series to six games and in the end win it.
It would be hard, but not impossible as the Montreal Canadiens showed during the last postseason when they knocked out the Capitals.
The Rangers have come up with a strong defence in the series so far that has seen them allowing 43 shots on goal in the last two games. Their offence has also been brilliant that witnessed them making 33 shots on goal in game 1 of the series.
“It's still 2-1 for them, but I think that's definitely a step in the right direction to get a little momentum here,” Rangers defenseman Daniel Girardi said. “We just have to come out hard (in Game 4).”
The Rangers are definitely high on confidence and in good shape to level the series and making things interesting as they move on.
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