The NHL schedule features a pivotal game as the Washington Capitals face the New York Rangers. This match takes place at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. ET. Both teams are looking to solidify their standings in the early season.
Capital Gains: Recent Performance and History
The Capitals enter this game with a record of 1-1-0, following a 4-2 victory against the New York Islanders. They aim to build on this momentum against the Rangers, who hold a record of 2-1-0 after two straight road wins, including a resounding 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- The Capitals swept the three-game regular-season series against the Rangers last season.
- Washington is 7-4-0 in their last 11 games against New York.
- In their all-time series, the Capitals have an impressive record of 120-101-18-8.
Capitals’ Division Strength
Last season, Washington posted a solid 17-9-0 record against the Metropolitan Division, finishing first. In contrast, the Rangers struggled with a 12-13-1 record, finishing fifth in the division. A victory tonight would be significant for the Rangers, especially under first-year coach Mike Sullivan.
The Ovi Factor: Key Player Insights
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has yet to score his first goal of the season after two games. Historically, he excels against New York, leading with 46 goals and 72 points in 76 games. He scored four goals against the Rangers last season and is on the brink of a historic milestone, needing just three more goals to reach 900 in his career.
Rangers’ Key Contributors
Mika Zibanejad is a crucial player for the Rangers, bringing experience to the ice. He recorded a short-handed goal in the last match, making him vital for their offense. He has 36 points against the Capitals in 47 games and is expected to step up, especially with the Rangers seeking their first home win of the season.
Goalkeeping Matchup
Jonathan Quick is anticipated to make his first start of the season for the Rangers. He has a history of performing against the Capitals, with a career record of 9-9-0, a 2.78 goals-against average, and a .901 save percentage in 18 games against them. In their last encounter, Quick allowed six goals, adding pressure to his upcoming performance.
Capitals’ Strategies and Lineup
- Dylan Strome aims to improve his scoring, having no points this season but previously led the Capitals in scoring against the Rangers.
- Strome has accumulated 13 points in 15 games against New York, with a continued streak of scoring in previous encounters.
As the Capitals prepare to face the Rangers tonight, both teams are eager for a win. Fans can expect an exciting matchup as Washington seeks to carry their recent success into this key division battle.
