New York Rangers: Nash, St. Louis Extend Win Streak To 7

FINAL SCORE- New York Rangers- 4 Washington Capitals- 2

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First Period

The Rangers came out flying in the first period, and just about three and a half minutes into the game, their work paid off early. While leading the rush, Derick Brassard gave a pass to Mats Zuccarello. While being knocked to the ice, Zuccarello threw the puck on net, it hit a body in front, and went in. Upon replay, it was seen that the puck went off of Rick Nash’s ankle and into the net for his 21st goal of the season. While the was no scoring for the rest of the period, the Rangers continued to work hard, both offensively and defensively. Braden Holtby came up with some key saves to keep the game at
1-0, as did Henrik Lundqivst, although he only faced five shots. The Rangers also had a late powerplay, but they could not capitalize (what a surprise). At the end of one period, the Rangers were up 1-0, and they were outshooting the Caps 9-5.

Second Period

The second period started with Alex Ovechkin taking on offensive zone boarding penalty at 27 seconds. Some people didn’t agree with the call, but the Rangers took it with delight. Less than a minute into that power play, Derick Brassard again made a beautiful pass (this time behind the back) to Dan Boyle. Boyle walked down the middle, faked a shot, and rifled a pass to Martin St. Louis at the bottom of the right circle, who deposited it in the net for his 11th goal of the season. After that goal, it was much of the same from the first period. Washington did get three power play opportunities, including one that carried over into the third period, but the Rangers penalty kill stood strong. Holtby again made a few saves to keep his team in the game, as did Lundqvist, but he only faced six shots this time. The Rangers defensive play was outstanding through two periods, and it looked like the third period would be much of the same. Through two periods, the Rangers were up 2-0 and were outshooting the Caps 18-11.

Third Period

After the Rangers killed off the carry-over penalty, the Capitals came out on fire in the third period. Just 1:13 into the frame, they had already fired 9 shots on goal. However, they still couldn’t solve Lundqvist, as he stood up to the task. Then the flood gates opened. At 5:12, Rick Nash took the puck off the boards and went one on one with John Carlson. Nash took a quick shot, which seemed to flutter a bit, but nonetheless, it beat Holtby, and gave Nash his 22nd goal. Then, just 41 seconds later, Evgeny Kuznetsov took a shot from the boards that went right between the body and the arm of Lundqvist, and the Caps quickly responded. After that, it was nothing but Washington, and the Capitals had continuous possession in the Rangers zone, constantly putting on pressure. Then, after another great shift by Washington, Matt Hunwick took a hooking penalty, and the Capitals went back on the power play. Then, after a good kill so far, Alexander Ovechkin stepped up and ripped a shot past the glove of Lundqvist, off the post, and in the net. With Rangers fans sweating, and Washington continuing to put on pressure, it looked like Washington might steal this. Then, before Washington could tie it, Nicklas Backstrom took a high sticking penalty and drew blood on Brassard, which resulted in a double minor. Before that penalty even started, Jason Chimera made a hand pass off the faceoff, before the puck hit a Capitals stick, which resulted in a faceoff violation, and put the Rangers on a two minute 5 on 3. After continuous offensive zone pressure, Rick Nash ripped a shot off the post and it hit the back of Holtby’s glove, and seemed to be batted in by Marty St. Louis. On the replay, it showed that Holtby knocked the puck in himself, but it was still credited to St. Louis. Washington could not get the equalizer, and the Rangers walked away with a 4-2 win, and their seventh win in a row.

Nash, St. Louis Give New York Rangers Seventh Win in a Row

By Mike Vecchio | Dec 24, 2014