New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals: 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs

rangers beat capitals in 2015 stanley cup playoffs

new york rangers beat washington capitals stanley cup playoffs 2015

Saturday was generally a busy day in sports however in the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs specifically, the action was fairly quiet. Only the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers played as the two teams met for game two of their second round series. Playing from Madison Square Garden in New York, the Rangers entered game two down 0-1 in the series and in desperate need of a victory.

In response to the pressure, the Rangers came out strong as they opened the scoring in game two in the opening minute. Chris Kreider tallied his second goal of the post-season on assists from Jesper Fast and Derek Stepan at the 38-second mark. New York, in taking firm control of the game, would add to their lead with a powerplay goal from veteran Dan Boyle later in the first period.

rangers beat capitals in 2015 stanley cup playoffs

But the second period belonged to Washington as Evgeny Kuznetsov, following missed chances by the Caps, scored his fourth goal of the post-season on an assist from Jason Chimera. Derick Brassard of New York then scored what would later become the game winner early in the third period. However Alex Ovechkin, with his fourth goal of the post-season, made things close when he scored about halfway through the frame.

In the end New York, on a night when they needed a victory, delivered in front of their home crowd 3-2. However, with the series leaving New York, it may be Washington that could claim moral victory. They did earn a much-desired split at Madison Square Garden and that means that the Caps simply need to win their home games to move on to the next round.

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Washington also has to be feeling good about the play of Ovechkin. The Russian has two goals in as many games and you might expect his play only to improve at the Verizon Center. Games three and four with both come from Washington on Monday night and Wednesday night respectively.