rangers capitals 2015

The New York Rangers scored the first three goals of the game, holding that lead throughout for the win in Game 82 against the Washington Capitals. This win may not have meant much to the Rangers as a team, but it got Henrik Lundqvist to 30 wins, something he’s done in every single full length NHL season in his career. That is really something.

Kevin Hayes scored an absolute beauty of a goal to open the scoring, whacking the puck out of mid-air. Alex Ovechkin scored the only goal for the Caps, on the powerplay, shocking. Lundqvist was solid, but Braden Holtby looked vulnerable. He was out of position a few times, and dropped to his knees too early on a few chances, one led to a goal.

I’m not going to go overboard on the analysis of this game. The Ranger didn’t dress their full lineup, and the Caps looked lethargic.

On to the goals:

Rangers 1, Caps 0

Kevin Hayes did a good job of getting in line of sight of Braden Holtby on the Ryan McDonagh shot from the point. Matt Niskanen was on Hayes, but Hayes whacked the rebound out of mid-air for the goal. This was pretty.

Rangers 2, Caps 0

Dan Girardi did a good job of keeping the zone on the powerplay, helping get the puck deep and sustain the pressure. Eventually Dan Boyle pinched to the top of the circle and then got the puck to Kevin Hayes just off the slot, who one-touched a pass to Derick Brassard at the point. Brassard let it rip, and Braden Holtby didn’t see it. Off the post and in for the goal.

Rangers 3, Caps 0

Martin St. Louis made a good play to keep the zone after a great shift by the fourth line. St. Louis was able to chip the puck behind all of the Caps to Dominic Moore, who got to the puck at a bad angle. Holtby was already on his knees, and Moore roofed it over him.

Caps 1, Rangers 3

When the Caps powerplay is working, it is absolutely lethal. They move the puck so well, even the best penalty kill units have issues. This was precision passing that ended with an Alex Ovechkin goal.

Rangers 4, Caps 1

Jesper Fast empty-netter.

Caps 2, Rangers 4

I think this shot went off Dan Boyle’s face first. Not seen on this GIF was Keith Yandle hauling down Galiev before he got to the net. Kid really wanted this goal.

USAT/Fenwick Chart:

rangers capitals 2015

Courtesy of war-on-ice

Washington had the raw shot attempt total advantage in this game, but they were also down 3-0 pretty early, so score effects play a role here.

Scoring Chances:

rangers capitals 2015

Courtesy of war-on-ice

Same thing as above, score effects will skew this chart.

Individual SAT/Corsi:

rangers capitals 2015

Courtesy of war-on-ice

Score effects as well.

Shot Locations:

rangers capitals 2015

Courtesy of war-on-ice

The Caps got a lot of chances from inside the danger areas here. That’s not really a good sign, but then again, the Rangers were resting a few key guys.

Shift Chart:

rangers capitals 2015

Courtesy of war-on-ice

Typical Alain Vigneault shift chart, with Girardi and McDonagh getting the Ovechkin line. Nothing out of the ordinary. The even strength shifts were pretty well dispersed as well, giving folks much-needed rest.

That’s it folks, the regular season is over, and the Rangers still don’t know who they are facing in the first round, but it will be either Boston or Pittsburgh. This was a record-breaking season for the Rangers, who won 53 games and had 113 points, both franchise records.

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