AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Rangers were hoping to make it two in a row against divisional opponents above them in the standings, but the Caps had other ideas, as they thoroughly dominated the Rangers en route to a 4-2 win. The Rangers were down early, giving up a goal to Jay Beagle in the first 15 seconds. They were playing catch up from there.

The Blueshirts woke up in the second, but the Caps really dominate the third period. Jesper Fast tied it in the third, but with the ice tilted, it was only a matter of time before the Caps took the lead. No gifs/goal breakdown today, so let’s go with some bullets.

  • That fourth line of Paul Carey-Boo Nieves-Jesper Fast sure is something. That line played very well and got the tying goal in the third. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s not just Nieves/Fast carrying Carey around. Carey has been solid as well. This line has been very good in their roles.
  • Michael Grabner scored again. Remember when we all said he wouldn’t repeat his goal scoring next year? That was fun. Grabner has always been streaky, but 13 goals in 18 games is one helluva streak.
  • Tom Wilson laid a garbage hit on Brendan Smith, a borderline charging/boarding call, yet there was no call from the refs. Then, five minutes later, Smith was penalized for “hooking.” These refs, man, they just don’t get anything right when it comes to dangerous plays. Wilson won’t even have a hearing because he’s “a good hockey guy.”
  • I understand the need to stick up for your teammates, but four guys in the corner going after Wilson after the Smith hit, when there was no whistle, was downright stupid. If it wasn’t for Grabner and Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers would’ve been down 3-1 instead of 2-1. As a player, you’re taught to play to the whistle. There was no whistle, and it was simple numbers that anyone could see. Four guys in the corner to the two for the Caps. That was a ugly sequence of events.
  • When the Caps scored their eventual game winner, it was only a matter of time. Sure, Fast had scored the tying goal earlier, but did you ever have that comfy feeling that the Rangers were pressing and going to get the go-ahead goal? It seemed like the play was always in the Rangers zone after that. It was simply a matter of time.
  • Words I never thought I’d say: “Tom Wilson just burned Ryan McDonagh and scored.” I feel gross.

Losses happen, and the Caps are good. I’m not reading too much into this one. It’s more important to rebound against the Devils tonight. Those are two points the Rangers should get, despite where the Devils are in the standings. They are a beatable team.

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