Rangers Show Extraordinary Toughness Both Physically And Mentally In Loss To Capitals

They fought valiantly, but the New York Rangers still lost 3-2 in overtime against the Washington Capitals, the behemoths of the Eastern Conference. 

Withstanding the loss, the Rangers secured one point and have many of moral victories to take from this game. 

The Capitals are known for their physicality, which intimidates most opponents. However, the Rangers stood their ground against the Big Bad Capitals. 

If Washington pushed, the Blueshirts pushed back. 

Both Sam Carrick and Juuso Parssinen got into fights, motivating and giving a much-needed jolt to their team.

“Washington is one of the most physical teams in the league and we hung right in there with them,” Carrick said. “It was great to see Parssinen get in there, especially for a new guy. It’s a good way to build some chemistry and just bond as a team. That’s what you need to do to come together as a team, stick up for each other and Parssinen did a great job when our guy went down.”

It was clear when watching this game that the rivalry between the Rangers and Capitals was on full display. It didn’t just spark overnight. These two teams have had a hatred for one another for years, something that comes out each time they play. 

“We played them in the playoffs last year and there’s been a long history,” Zibanejad said of the Rangers’ rivalry with the Capitals. “We go back to the playoff series even before I got here. Obviously, they are a tough team and that was a good test for us as well. I think the group responded in a good way.”

The Rangers got goals from Artemi Panarin and Carrick as they held a 2-1 lead going into the third period. 

Ultimately, the Blueshirts couldn’t hold their lead and gave up the game-winning goal from Tom Wilson with less than one minute left in overtime. 

Players kept a positive mindset following the defeat and feel that they are taking productive steps as a group at the most critical point of the season.

“The way we’ve been responding since the New Year, we’ve been building and building,” Zibanejad said. “I think we’re getting closer to the way we want to play. We keep getting better and that's a good thing for us. We’re going to need every point that we can get and take…There are a lot of good things that we can take away from this game and learn from and keep building on.”

The Rangers will be back in action on Saturday afternoon against the Ottawa Senators.