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 NashDerick BrassardMats Zuccarello
Chris KreiderDerek StepanJesper Fast
Oscar LindbergKevin HayesViktor Stalberg
Jarret StollDominic MooreJ.T. Miller

Ryan McDonaghDan Girardi
Marc StaalKevin Klein
Keith YandleDylan 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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