New York Rangers hold on to beat the Washington Capitals in Sunday Matinee

The New York Rangers manage to split the home and home series with the Washington Capitals as the matinee showcase ends 2-1 to the Rangers. It was a very difficult performance for the Blueshirts, but they got over the line in the end. It was not convincing, but the bleeding has been stopped, and the Rangers now have their sights set on the next game.

Less than a minute into the game, the Rangers would get a great start. Jacob Trouba would lead the breakout from behind the Ranger net. Trouba's pass would find Vincent Trocheck flying up the ice. Trocheck broke into the Capitals zone, and was able to set up Artemi Panarin for the one-timer, and the Rangers took the lead less than 50 secpmds into this game. It was exactly what the doctor ordered for the boys in Blue.

New York would double its lead late in the period. A puck in deep was fought back out to Vincent Trocheck at the right boards. Trocheck managed to get it out in front to Alexis Lafreniere, and the Quebecois winger was able to get the puck past Darcy Kuemper in the Capitals goal, and the lead was now 2-0 with less than a minute to go. An early and a late strike allowed the Rangers to take command into the intermission.

Washington could cut the lead in half in the second period. T.J Oshie gloved the puck down and got it in deep to Dylan Strome behind the net. He set up Max Pacioretty, but it was stopped and bounced back to Strome behind the net. He managed to get it to bounce off the glove of T.J. Oshie, and he cut the lead in half after scoring the winner last night.

From there to the end of the game, the Blueshirts defense would bend, but Igor Shesterkin would shut the door. The Washington Capitals fight back was shut down by the Rangers Russian netminder. New York snaps its three game skid, and the Blueshirts get back to winning ways and restore the three point lead at the top of the NHL standings. It's a good feeling again in Rangers fandom.