The New York Rangers finished the season with 23 more points than the Washington Capitals, and then on Sunday, we kind of understood why.
It’s only one win, of course, and if you calculate correctly, the Rangers will need three more wins to clinch this first-round series that’s only just beginning.
Nevertheless, this final mark of 4-1 in their favor leaves no doubt as to their superiority as they seemed alone on this ice, and if the Capitals want to hope for something else, even if only a only victory, they will have to do a lot better than that.
In terms of commitment, among other things. To hope for a surprise, the Capitals will not be able to be tossed around like this throughout the series. The Rangers’ fourth line, led by Matt Rempe, set the tone, being responsible for two of the Rangers’ three goals in the second period.
Rempe even allowed himself a goal, in addition to taking Beck Malenstyn out of the game during his club’s third goal, that of Jimmy Vesey. We never thought that the Rangers giant would be able to play an important role in the playoffs, but that’s exactly what happened on Sunday. For the Capitals, it’s still a little insulting.
This domination of the Rangers was more and more evident, especially during the third period, when the Capitals obtained only 6 shots on net defended by Igor Shesterkin, to conclude the match with a total of 21 shots.
Ovechkin
Obviously that wasn’t enough, and suddenly all eyes will be on Alexander Ovechkin, who didn’t throw a single shot in this game. Ovechkin has been the team’s top scorer this season, and without him, the Capitals aren’t going to stay up late.
PHOTO SETH WENIG, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Alexander Ovechkin
To have a chance, the Capitals will have to be tiring, aggressive, and play the provocation card, quite a bit more than that in any case. Tom Wilson tried to stir up a little mud towards the end, without much success. In front of the net, too, the advantage is clearly on the Rangers’ side, and the good Charlie Lindgren, very likeable by the way, will not be able to save the Capitals alone.
But we already knew all that, and we also knew that the Rangers finished the season in first place in the general standings of the National Hockey League. To overcome a team like that, it often takes exceptional circumstances, like a goalkeeper who steals matches single-handedly, like an obscure hero who comes out of nowhere, like players whose desire to win can allow them to lead to a surprise. But on Sunday, the Capitals weren’t able to check any of those boxes.
The next match will take place Tuesday evening. The Capitals will have to be a lot better than that, because otherwise it will be pretty brief, thank you.