New York Rangers Unable To Solve Braden Holtby

The New York Rangers took an aggressive approach in Game Three, but was unable to beat the Washington Capitals’ netmider in tough loss

Here’s how the game played out:

1st Period

The game opened with both teams hyped for the game. Not to be left out was the Capitals crowd at the Verizon Center.

A noticeable player through the opening minutes of the period was Jesper Fast. Promoted to the second line last game, he has brought a gritty style of play for the Rangers, seen getting under the skin of many Capitals players.

Also, the Rangers defenses were paying special attention to Alexander Ovechkin, whenever he was on the ice. Unlike the first two games, the defense played more towards his body preventing any explosive moves that Ovechkin has been keen to at the beginning of the playoff series.

The first power play went to the Capitals at 11:08 of the period. A tripping penalty was called on Keith Yandle. During the man-advantage, Henrik Lundqvist came up huge early in the penalty kill. He put up a wall with Ovechkin having walked towards the Rangers net.

The period closed with the Rangers having elevated their play for their first game on the road of the series. The first 20 minutes saw the team laying the hits on the Capitals, an aggressive style that kept the pressure on the Capitals defense, and a penalty kill unit that didn’t allow a goal in two opportunities for the Washington’s power play unit.

New York Rangers

2nd Period

Even though he hasn’t scored a goal lately, Rick Nash was playing like the player fans had hoped to see. He was seen hustling to the puck, being aware of the puck , and driving his way towards the net.

If you were expecting a let up by either team this period, you would be mistaken.

At 12:29, Capitals forward Jay Beagle took the puck behind the net and threw one in front that bounced off two Rangers skates, sneaking past the goalie for the 1-0 lead. For Beagle, it was his first goal of the playoffs. Assists were credited to Andre Burakovsky (1) and Troy Brouwern(3).

The period ended with the Capitals leading after 40 minutes.

3rd Period

The last 20 minutes was nothing short of desperation. For the Rangers, realizing they needed on goal to tie the game was their mission. They tried to break through the Capitals defense and get pucks on net against Braden Holtby. The team’s defensemen were seen in deep in the offensive zone to add another threat for the offense. Even though they had chances and looks, they could not get the puck by Holtby.

The Capitals defense did a good job of collapsing in front and helping their netminder.

At 1:23, Lundqvist was pulled in favor of the extra man. Unfortunately, the team wasn’t able to tie the game and the Capitals won a hard-fought game.

The Rangers found themselves down 1-2 in the best of seven series. The teams will tangle again on Wednesday for Game Four.

Three Stars of the Game

Braden Holtby (30 of 30 saves, 1.000 save percentage)

Jay Beagle (one goal, three shots, two hits)

Henrik Lundqvist (21 of 22 saves, .955 save percentage)

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