Pens or Caps, the Rangers first round opponent doesn't matter.

What a difference an assistant coach makes, eh? The Rangers have had solid defensive structure all year –with some blips, of course– and it was on full display this afternoon. The Rangers defense took away the Caps primary weapons by clogging passing lanes and getting sticks on shots. The end results was a 4-1 win, giving the Rangers two in a row.

Igor Shesterkin was solid in this one again, outdueling Vitek Vanacek at the other end. Shesty had to make a few solid saves, but the defense ensured it wasn’t that often. This is almost a complete-180 from last year’s Rangers. This year they can’t score but can defend. Last year they couldn’t defend but could score at will. Defense is harder to learn and maintain. The offense will come. This is a big step in the right direction.

Rangers 1, Caps 0 – Finally a powerplay goal

After a powerplay with no shots, they finally decided to shoot the puck. Artemi Panarin one-timed a shot from the Ovechkin spot, and Chris Kreider was in front untouched for the rebound. Washington is really bad at defending the front of the net.

Rangers 2, Caps 0 – No one covers in front

The Caps just let Alexis Lafreniere sit there in front, uncovered and untouched. This is not good penalty killing.

Rangers 3, Caps 0 – Strome’s 100th career goal

Ryan Strome’s 100th was a beautiful wrist shot from up top. There’s no way Vanecek saw this through three bodies in front and one on Strome.

Rangers 3, Caps 1 – The final minute killer

The Caps outnumbered Lafreniere and Mika Zibanejad along the boards, which led to a turnover. Dmitry Orlov took the puck and walked in almost uncontested. He tucked one under Shesterkin’s glove and just inside the post. Shesterkin was off his angle on this one, ideally that is stopped.

Rangers 4, Caps 1 – Zibanejad finally gets one!

Mika Zibanejad finally scored! Yea it was on an empty net, but who cares? Bonus – Pavel Buchnevich pulled the monkey off his back too.

Shot Heatmap – Spread out, but little danger

The Rangers let off the gas in the third period, when they were up two. But again, none of it was really quality, at least not at even strength. The late penalty on Anthony Bitetto wasn’t great, but again the PK did its job.

Skater Results – Another strong effort

A lot of dull and good, which is what you want to see. The Rangers are rarely in the ‘fun’ section anymore. They play solid defense and they were great on limiting quality against. This seems to be a theme for the team, and not the exception. Without a doubt, the Rangers defense got the win over the Caps today.

With tomorrow’s game cancelled, the Rangers are off until Wednesday when they get the Flyers again. Hopefully by that point, Kaapo Kakko is off the COVID list and the Rangers are closer to full strength.

Charts from Natural Stat Trick and Evolving-Hockey.

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