Metropolitan Division Preview: Rearmed Washington Capitals Aim for Rangers

May 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts against the New York Rangers during the third period in game seven of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Every time the New York Rangers face the Washington Capitals, there is a battle of epic proportions. Emotions play out on the ice, tension clouds the air and it is almost always a close race. But it may be a much tougher race for the Rangers this season.

This year, the two teams will square up five times. Their first meeting will be November 3rd at Madison Square Garden where they last met.

That was when the Rangers had defeated the Capitals in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Alex Ovechkin‘s promise to take the series fell flat in overtime as Derek Stepan buried the last goal. The Captain will be looking for some redemption the next time he sets skate on New York’s ice.

The Blueshirts will defend their house against Washington again in December and January. Then they will take to the road to face the Caps in January once more and their last meeting will be in March.

To gain an idea about how the two teams will fare against one another this season, let’s start with their history in 2014-15.

Next: 2014-15 Regular Season Rivalry