rangers caps chris kreider

Tom Wilson is a scumbag. After punching a defenseless Pavel Buchnevich in the head while on the ice, he body slammed Artemi Panarin, who did not return. That was enough for the Caps to tie it late in the second, then take the lead early in the third. The Rangers were without their best player, and it showed.

That said, the Caps did dominate the game. Most of this game was in the Rangers’ zone. The Rangers were sub-40% CF and sub-30% xGF for most of the game. The fact that the Rangers were even in the game for a while was a borderline miracle. This was not a game the Rangers deserved to win.

Caps 1, Rangers 0 – Bad neutral zone play

This is bad neutral zone positioning by Tarmo Reunanen, and the puck went through him to Nic Dowd. But that’s also one where Shesterkin needs to bail out his rookie teammate.

Caps 2, Rangers 0 – Weird bad play?

Connor Sheary got a bit lucky on this, but it’s a borderline second weak goal by Igor Shesterkin. The puck deflected to Sheary, who was all alone, but the shot was in a spot that Shesterkin probably wants back.

Caps 2, Rangers 1 – Oh hey a goal

Mika Zibanejad used his speed through the neutral zone to get open along the boards, as the Rangers made some nice passes to break through the neutral zone and gain a zone entry. Then it was a quick transition and shot by Zibanejad.

Rangers 2, Caps 2 – Second time’s a charm

After hitting the crossbar, the Rangers had the Caps scrambling. Then it was just pretty passing. Once the Caps were unable to clear following the crossbar, it was a matter of time.

Rangers 3, Caps 2 – Pinching defenseman

The Rangers caught the Caps pinching, and they were off to the races. This was also a great passing play with a superb finish from Kakko. Note where Kakko received the pass before he tucked it by Vanecek. His arms were extended, not huddled into his body. Progress.

Caps 3, Rangers 3 – No puck support

I don’t really get on rookies for defensive zone turnovers, but I will get on the rest of the team for not giving K’Andre Miller any outlets when he was getting pressured. They just stood there. That’s what led to this goal.

Caps 4, Rangers 3 – Whiff

This was brutal for Brendan Smith. He just whiffed on the pass, and Daniel Sprong scored.

Caps 5, Rangers 3 – Split the defense

Nicklas Backstrom split the defense here, as the Rangers weren’t expecting that pass to get through. After that, Backstrom just used his slick hands to roof it. As far as I’m concerned, this game ended at 5-3.

Shot Heatmap – Clear as day

Wilson aside, the Rangers never stood a chance in this one. I am still amazed this was a close game on the scoreboard.

Skater Results – That’s a lot of bad

Given how the shot heatmap looked, is this a surprise? But hey how about that Kaapo Kakko?

Three games of meaningless hockey left for the Rangers. But if there is one thing that unites us all, it’s that Tom Wilson is a scumbag.

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