The Rangers have lost four straight games, and the same issues with neutral zone play and defense remain unaddressed.
The New York Rangers (26-13-2) lost to the Washington Capitals (20-14-6) 3-2, Washington scoring twice in the third period to win the contest. The Rangers have lost four straight games, and the same issues with neutral zone play and defense remain unaddressed.
Here’s how it happened: Tom WIlsom delivered a check to Jonny Brodzisnki, the Rangers forward turning his back on the play putting himself in a vulnerable position.
Wilson received a boarding penalty, and Anton Blidh received a cross-checking penalty as the two teams scuffled following the incident.
That set the tone for the game between the Metro rivals.
Adam Fox opened the scoring by picking up his own blocked shot to put the Rangers up 1-0.
At the 15:17 mark for the first period, Ryan Lindgren delivered a clean hard check to Martin Ferheveray at open ice, prompting Nic Dowd to fight Lindgren.
Two minutes later, Anthony Mantha burned the Rangers, scoring a breakaway goal to knot the game up. The problems with defense through the neutral zone and rushes with speed continue to hurt the Rangers.
In the second period, Adam Fox ripped home his second goal of the game and fourth in the last four games to put New York ahead. The last New York Ranger defender to score at that rate was Tony Deangelo.
The lead would vanish for the Rangers in the third period, and Nic Dowd and T.J Oshie scored two goals in two minutes to take a 3-2 lead.
All three Capitals goals came off the rush, the Rangers struggling to clamp up the neutral zone and surrendered goals in bunches. Those themes continue to haunt New York.
The Rangers are now on a four-game losing streak.
Up Next: The Rangers host the Capitals in 24 hours at Madison Square Garden.
Lines:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Cuylle
Panarin-Trocheck-Lafrenière
Vesey-Goodrow-Wheeler
Blidh-Bonino-Brodzinski
Lindgren-Fox
Miller-Trouba
Gustafsson-Schneider
Quick
Shesterkin