The new Rangers lines showed up for a full 60 minutes today, a seemingly rare occurrence lately. The start to the game was a bit slow, as both teams were feeling each other out, but that was still miles better than the first period product produced over the last few weeks. Then the Rangers struck twice in the first and once early in the second to secure a three goal lead they would not relinquish. Washington had a few good runs, but came up short.
The Kid Line, which will continue to be called the Kid Line until further notice, fueled the three goal lead with a pair of goals to close out the first and begin the second. Kaapo Kakko was a machine, firing pucks at the net, doing dirty work low, and getting open in the slot. Alexis Lafreniere’s confidence continued to grow with a beautiful goal in the first period.
But the story was K’Andre Miller, who joined the rush to get the Rangers on the board in the first. In the second he dished a great look to Kakko in front for the third goal and to essentially put the game out of reach for the Capitals. The Rangers tacked on a pair in the third to build a 5-2 lead.
Igor Shesterkin wasn’t tested much, and he did allow a bit of a softie, but he was solid all around. The new lines seemed to work for the Rangers, even if the top six didn’t get on the board, as the game was more balanced with the Rangers controlling more play than in the past few games.
Rangers 1, Caps 0
No one from Washington picked up K’Andre Miller, it’s as simple as that sometimes. Horrible rebound control by Darcy Kuemper here as well, he can’t push that to the slot.
Rangers 2, Caps 0
The Rangers showed up in the first period in this one. Filip Chytil had a clean zone entry, drawing two Caps to him. That left room for Alexis Lafreniere, who dangled around the defender with a beautiful move and beat Kuemper. The kid is feeling it.
Rangers 3, Caps 0
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure how Miller got that puck on Kaapo Kakko’s stick, that was a brilliant pass. Major credit to Kakko for reading the play, eluding two defenders in front, and keeping his stick on the ice to give Miller a target. Hockey 101 right there, folks. Also Hockey 101: Getting behind the net and forcing a turnover when it’s 1 v 2.
Rangers 3, Caps 1
Igor wants this one back.
Rangers 4, Caps 1
The Rangers had very clean exits and entries today, and Vladimir Tarasenko’s snipe showcased both. Panarin got the puck to Vincent Trocheck for the clean exit, then over to Tarasenko for the clear entry with tons of room. Can’t give Tarasenko that much room.
Rangers 4, Caps 2
Chaos in front leads to goals, and this was no different. The Rangers couldn’t get a whistle or a clear, and the Caps got at least 5 whacks at a loose puck in front.
Rangers 5, Caps 2
When someone figures out how Patrick Kane got that pass across to Mika Zibanejad, please tell me. That was a beautiful pass.
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