Jason Szenes for The New York Times

Jason Szenes for The New York Times

The Caps, who got off to a horrendous start, are starting to turn things around and sit just five points behind the Rangers for a playoff spot. It appears that the Caps are finally starting to get used to new coach Adam Oates and his hybrid approach to pretty much every style of play. This will be a different game than the last one, which the Rangers won 2-1.

Under Oates, the Caps still play the 1-2-2 forecheck, but they don’t necessarily use it as a trap. While this system is generally passive, the Caps use it in conjunction with a 2-1-2, making it a more aggressive hybrid forecheck. In the defensive zone, Oates continues with this hybrid theme and alternates between an overload defensive strategy and a collapsing strategy. On special teams, the Caps use a combination of a 1-3-1 and an umbrella powerplay, and use a diamond penalty kill.

You can read more on Torts’ systems here.

2012-2013 Records: Capitals (10-12-1), Rangers (12-9-2)

NYR Leading Scorer: Rick Nash (9-12-21)
WSH Leading Scorer: Mike Ribeiro (9-19-28)

NYR Goaltender: Martin Biron (4 GP, 2.50 GAA, .911 SV%)
WSH Goaltender: Braden Holtby (16 GP, 2.87 GAA, .911 SV%)

New York Rangers Tickets

Rangers Lines: 

Marian Gaborik-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Rick Nash
Taylor Pyatt-JT Miller-Darroll Powe
Brian Boyle-Jeff Halpern-Micheal Haley

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
Steve Eminger-Matt Gilroy

Martin Biron

Scratches/Injuries:  Mike Sauer (concussion), Arron Asham (back), Marc Staal (eye), Stu Bickel (healthy), Roman Hamrlik (healthy)

Broadcast Info: NBC 12:30pm

Torts Post Practice Interview from Saturday:

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