NHL: Capitals and Rangers trade punches and goals in bad-tempered rematch
New York City, New York - The Capitals seemed to have had their way yet again with the Rangers, winning their second-straight game against New York on a night when there were just as many fights as goals on the scoreboard.
At Madison Square Garden, a hockey game just happened to break out in the middle of a series of fights. When the dust settled, the Capitals got another win against the Rangers beating them physically on the ice, but more so with a 4-2 score.
Washington winger T.J. Oshie (34) scored a hat trick in the game, but that appeared to be overshadowed by all the brawling that went down as soon as the opening faceoff in the game. There was definitely no love lost between both teams from their last meeting this past Monday night, when Caps forward Tom Wilson got the blood boiling with some rather controversial hits that injured Rangers top scorer Artemi Panarin.
All in all, 141 penalty minutes were assessed between the two teams.
Nic Dowd was the only other Capital to score in the game, while Dmitry Orlov helped out with three assists in the win. Nicklas Backstrom, Carl Hagelin, John Carlson, Brenden Dillon, and Trevor van Riemsdyk each pitched in with an assist, as well.
For the Rangers, Alexis Lafreniere scored a goal to break Washington's shutout in the third period, and Morgan Barron added another score in the closing minutes of the game.
On Friday, the Capitals head back home to face the Flyers, while the Rangers go to Boston to take on the Bruins on Thursday.
Around the NHL
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets beat the Predators 4-2, while Erik Brannstrom's three assists helped the Senators get an easy win over the Canadiens 5-1. The Lightning struck early and often as they defeated the Stars in Tampa by a score of 6-2. And the Golden Knights needed overtime to get past the Wild 3-2.
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets clinched a playoff spot by shutting out the Flames 4-0. The Sharks edged out the Avs thanks to a third-period comeback to win 3-2, while the Ducks outlasted the Blues with a shootout win 3-2. And out west, the Kings put down the Coyotes 4-2.
On Thursday, the Sabres are in Pittsburgh to play the Penguins, while the Canucks take on the Oilers in Edmonton.
Cover photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI