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New York Rangers: 3 Takeaways from Game 3 loss to Washington Capitals

By Nick Ziegler

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The New York Rangers were unable to defeat the Washington Capitals in Game 3, as they were shutout 1-0.

New York had one of the best offenses in the NHL in the regular season, but in Game 3 it was nowhere to be found. Once again they are failing to capitalize on power-play opportunities, which is going to hurt them if it doesn’t improve.

The Capitals only scored one goal in the game, but that was enough to get it done. In the second-period, Jay Beagle would score his first goal of the playoffs at the 7:31 mark. Beagle’s goal was assisted by Andre Burakovsky, and Troy Brouwer.

The Rangers were able to hold Ovechkin in check for the most part, but the supporting cast stepped up for the Capitals.

Game 3 was a big win for the Capitals, as after taking one game in New York, they now have control of the series. Game 4 will be on Wednesday night, and for the Rangers they are getting close to must-win territory, as falling behind 3-1 is not good.

Here are three takeaways from the Rangers’ Game 3 loss.

– Strong PK

The Rangers once again did a very good job containing the Capitals’ dangerous power-play unit in Game 3. The Rangers took two penalties in the first period on the road which is usually a recipe for disaster, but they held strong.

Keith Yandle and Derick Brassard each took penalties in the first period, but were helped out by their teammates.

The Capitals did get one A+ look on a power-play, as Alex Ovechkin ripped a one-timer that was robbed by Henrik Lundqvist.

New York can’t keep taking penalties against the Capitals, as when you play with fire, you’ll eventually get burned.

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– Disappointing Power-Play

The Rangers’ penalty kill was good in Game 3, but their power-play was not. In the Game 3 shutout loss, the Rangers had two opportunities on the power-play, but came up empty each time.

While the power-play was disappointing, the offense did get 30 shots on goal. Rick Nash led the Rangers with seven shots on goal, but was unable to score. Nash has yet to score in this series, and after last year’s disappointment in the playoffs, the Rangers need him to score.

If Nash could get going, especially on the power-play it would help the Rangers immensely, but so far that hasn’t happened.

– Great Performance

Easily the difference maker in Game 3 was the superb performance by Capitals’ goalie Braden Holtby. In the pivotal Game 3, Holtby was able to shutout the Rangers.

He faced 30 shots in Game 3, and he was able to save them all. Holtby’s best save came shortly after the Capitals scored. Martin St. Louis would block a shot which led to a breakaway, but Holtby was able to stop the golden chance.

Henrik Lundqvist also played very well, as he saved 21 of the 22 shots he faced in his 100th career postseason game.

Next: Who is the best Ranger of all-time?

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