As the year winds down, the Washington Capitals prepare to face the New York Rangers in a New Year’s Eve matchup at Capital One Arena. This contest marks the conclusion of the 2025 portion of the Capitals’ 2025-26 NHL season. Currently, Washington is grappling with performance challenges, having achieved only two wins in their last nine games, recording a 2-5-2 record during this stretch.
Capitals’ Recent Performance
The Capitals entered December with a promising six-game winning streak, but that momentum was halted by a shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks on December 5. Their December performance has been inconsistent, with a current record of 5-5-3 for the month. In contrast, their record stands at an impressive 8-3-2 against fellow teams in the Metropolitan Division.
In their last encounter just prior to the holiday break, the Capitals lost 7-3 to the Rangers after leading 3-2 entering the third period. It was a rare setback, as Washington had a record of 17-1-0 when leading after two periods. Head Coach Spencer Carbery highlighted the need for structural changes in their game plan, aiming to rectify the mistakes made in that critical final frame.
Strategies Moving Forward
The Capitals are keen on improving their performance against the Rangers today. Coach Carbery emphasized adapting coaching strategies to address players’ needs for rest and recovery, especially given the demanding schedule that comes with playing 82 games in a season. The NHL’s unique 2026 Olympic schedule has necessitated a careful balance between game play and recovery time.
“Rest is an important element,” Carbery noted. He explained that past practices focused on rigorous on-ice workouts, whereas the current approach includes prioritizing rest to enhance player performance.
Upcoming Challenges
Following today’s game, the Capitals will face the Ottawa Senators tomorrow as part of their fast-paced schedule, which involves four games in just over five days. Today, Washington plans to bring blueliner Dylan McIlrath into the lineup, in hopes of boosting their defensive capabilities.
Goaltender Matchup
For today’s game, Charlie Lindgren is set to start in goal for the Capitals. Lindgren previously shut out the Rangers in his season debut on October 12, earning a 1-0 victory. In five career appearances against New York, he holds a record of 4-1-0 with two shutouts, a 1.19 GAA, and a .957 save percentage.
On the other side, Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin is expected to be in goal. Shesterkin has a lifetime record of 9-5-1 against the Capitals and maintains a 2.73 GAA and a .915 save percentage in 15 appearances.
Projected Lineups
| Washington Capitals | New York Rangers |
|---|---|
| Forwards: 24-McMichael, 34-Sourdif, 8-Ovechkin, 21-Protas, 17-Strome, 43-Wilson | Forwards: 10-Panarin, 93-Zibanejad, 13-Lafreniere, 94-Perreault, 16-Trocheck, 22-Brodzinski |
| Defensemen: 42-Fehervary, 74-Carlson, 6-Chychrun, 3-Roy, 38-Sandin, 52-McIlrath | Defensemen: 44-Gavrikov, 4-Schneider, 24-Soucy, 17-Borgen, 29-Robertson, 60-Morrow |
| Goalie: 79-Lindgren | Goalie: 31-Shesterkin |
With both teams eager to end the year on a high note, today’s matchup promises to be an intense battle as the Capitals seek redemption against the Rangers.
