The Rangers are back in action tonight, taking on the Washington Capitals for the first time since Derek Stepan completed a 3-1 series comeback. That’s the back story behind this game, that the Caps are out for revenge. But let’s be honest here. The revenge they seek would be in the playoffs, not in Game 12 of the regular season.
The Caps bolstered their forward depth this offseason by signing Justin Williams and trading Joel Ward for T.J. Oshie. They lost Mike Green, but between Nate Schmidt and Dmitry Orlov –and John Carlson on the powerplay– they haven’t really missed a beat. It will likely be the Rangers and Caps in a bloodbath for the Metro Division as the season progresses.
What have they done lately?
The Caps are a solid team. They are 8-2-0 over their first ten games, scoring 34 goals while allowing 23. This is a team with balanced scoring up and down the lineup with a deep defense and solid goaltending. They are also a solid possession team (54.2% CF). They are shooting a bit above their heads at 9.8%, but they are so skilled that might only drop a percentage point or two. This is an excellent team with an excellent coach.
Caps Systems
Under Barry Trotz the Caps run a 1-1-3 lock or a 1-2-2 forecheck, which they use aggressively or conservatively depending on the game situation (e.g., puck location, the score, etc.). In the defensive zone, Trotz runs your standard zone defense. On special teams, the Caps employ a 1-3-1 power play, and a diamond/box hybrid penalty kill depending on puck location and opposition setup.
Caps Lines
Alex Ovechkin-Evgeny Kuznetsov-T.J. Oshie
Marcus Johanssen-Nicklas Backstrom-Justin Williams
Jason Chimera-Jay Beagle-Alex Burakovsky
Brooks Laich-Chandler Stephenson-Tom Wilson
Brooks Orpik-John Carolson
Karl Alzner-Matt Niskanen
Nate Schmidt-Dmitry Orlov
PP1: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie-Johanssen-Carlson
PP2: Kuznetsov-Burakovsky-Williams-Orlov-Niskanen
PK: Laich, Oshie, Beagle, Wilson, Backstrom, Williams, Orpik, Carlson, Niskanen, Alzner
Braden Holtby gets the start.
Rangers Lines
Rick Nash–Derick Brassard–Mats Zuccarello
Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan–Jesper Fast
Oscar Lindberg–Kevin Hayes–Viktor Stalberg
Jarret Stoll–Dominic Moore–J.T. Miller
Ryan McDonagh–Dan Girardi
Marc Staal–Kevin Klein
Keith Yandle–Dylan McIlrath
PP1: Nash-Stepan-Zuccarello, Brassard-McDonagh
PP2: Kreider-Hayes-Lindberg, Yandle-Klein
PK: Stepan, Nash, Moore, Lindberg, Girardi, McDonagh, Staal, Klein
Henrik Lundqvist is in net.
Scratches/Injuries: Emerson Etem (healthy), Dan Boyle (healthy)
Crazy Prediction: Ovechkin doesn’t score.
Be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to the game. Game time is 7pm on MSG. All gifs will be on nyrgifs.com.
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