The New York Rangers snap their losing streak against the Washington Capitals.
Madison Square Garden, NY-- The New York Rangers (26-13-2) defeated the Washington Capitals (20-14-6) to end a four-game skid.
Kaapo Kakko returned to the lineup for the first time since November 27th, missing 21 games in that span. He skated with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad and played on the second power-play unit.
Here’s how it happened: Artemi Panarin got things started 50 seconds into the contest, burying a feed from Vincent Trocheck off the rush to put the Rangers up 1-0.
Chris Kreider took a high-sticking penalty at 7:38, and the Rangers killed the Ovenchkin-less power play.
The Rangers went on the powerplay at 14:28, Kakko having a good chance on net as he skated on the second unit.
Alexis Lafreniere found a soft spot behind the Capital's defense to tango with Charlie Lindgren 1-on-1. Lindgren made the first save, but Lafreniere buried his rebound to go up 2-0.
Blake Wheeler took the Ranger's second high-sticking penalty of the first period with 11 seconds remaining. The Rangers killed off the penalty to start the middle frame off.
T.J. Oshie scored his second goal in two days to cut the lead, finishing a feed from Dylan Strome battling in front of Shesterkins crease.
It was Oshie's fourth goal of the season, two of those goals against New York.
The Rangers would receive a 5-on-3 powerplay when Martin Fehervary and Nic Dowd took infractions a minute apart.
The Rangers could not capitalize on the man advantage, Charlie Lindgren making a glove save on Kreider in front.
The Rangers finished the period hemmed in their zone, Shesterkin making timely saves to help the Rangers escape the second frame with a 2-1 lead.
The intensity of the contest picked up in the third period. Joel Edmundson high-sticked Lafreniere 1:33 into the third period. The Rangers couldn't finish on their fifth powerplay of the game.
Chris Kreider and Tom Wilson traded breakaway chances, and Jimmy Vesey created an in-zone break on the forecheck.
None of those chances were finished as Lindgren and Shesterkin stood tall.
The Rangers held on to win 2-1.
Up Next: The Rangers host the Seattle Kraken (19-14-9) on Tuesday, January 16th at Madison Square Garden.
Lines:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Kakko
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafreniere
Cuylle-Bonino-Wheeler
Vesey-Goodrow-Brodzinski
Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Trouba
Gustafsson-Schneider
Shesterkin/Quick