Caps lose a close one in a shootout to the Rangers

The Capitals and Rangers did not exactly play the most thrilling offensive game at the Verizon Center. In the first period there were no marks on the stat sheet with each team only getting a combined 12 shots on goal (Caps-5, Rangers-7).

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind how much effort Matt Hendricks puts into this team night after night. It paid off again in the 2^nd period when he redirected a pass from Marcus Johansson beating the Ney York goaltender. Scott Hannan also assisted on Hendicks’ goal making it his first point as a Washington Capital.

The 3^rd period came around and the score was still 1-0 Caps. Washington had only logged 11 shots after 2 periods which was a season low. Alex Ovechkin although he didn’t score looked to be back to the old Alex carving through defenders effortlessly. He played 24:08 and had 6 shots on goal for the Caps.

The Rangers finally tied the score when Marian Gaborik batted the puck in with his glove passed Braden Holtby. In my opinion the goal should’ve been disallowed after review but the score was tied. The game went to over time, and eventually to a shootout with neither team lighting the lamp in the extra 5 minutes.

The Rangers outshot the Caps 29-23 with both goalies playing extremely well. Braden Holtby for the Caps played his third straight game letting up only one goal. Holtby ended the game with 28 saves, and it seems the kid is gaining more confidence with each save he makes.

However in the shootout the rookie goaltender was simply out of his league. Hotlby was undressed by 3 out of the 4 New York shooters. Hendricks and Backstrom scored for the Caps but it wasn’t enough to beat the Rangers. The Caps fell 3-2 in the shootout.

Let’s stay positive Capitals’ fans it was a tough shootout loss. We need to start ending games in regulation to avoid these heartbreakers. The Caps have one more game left on Wednesday vs. the Atlanta Thrashers before the All-star break. Let’s get a W especially since it’s a divisional game. Rock the Red!

Player of the Game: Matt Hendicks (1 goal, +1)

Stat of the Game: 28 gaves 1 GAA (Braden Holtby)

Hit of the Game: John Erskine on J. Gilroy (1^st period)

Unsung Hero: Scott Hannan