Peepin' Foes: Washington Capitals

Where We Are: The Rangers are showing their true colours and they aren't blue, red and white. But as terrible as they are, the last time they played the Caps they put together an incredible effort - they lost, but they made a game of it.

Where They Are: One loss in their last five games including a 5-2 road win over the Devils ...

Who To Watch For: They have some Russian guy named Ovechkin, they have the bongo player Semin and Mike Green, who is playing like he is the second coming of Brian Leetch. Oh, and the three of them make less than Gomez, Drury and Redden. The Washington trio has 162 points and have a combined cap hit of $19.388 million - the New York nothings have 87 points and make $20.957 million. Thanks Glen!

What To Watch For: Ovechkin to get rolling, the Ranger defense to get folding and the fans to start booing.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: A Ranger win, haha. How about a spark of life? Anything? Maybe? Please? Oh, and perhaps a decent heavyweight bout between Brashear and Orr since you know that Brash will try to lay down a few big hits early if let off the leash by Bruce Boudreau. And I always pray for Tom Poti to crash and burn. Man, I hate that guy.

Also Check Out: The Caps have arguably the best blogbase around the league in terms of skill, info and access. The best of the bunch is personal fav Japer's Rink but On Frozen Blog and Off Wing Opinion are also pretty damn good.

As for us, Carp is doing a decent job with some girl named Jane helping over at Ranger Report (miss you Sam!) and Steve Zipay is his usual steady self at Blue Notes.

Peepin' Foes: Washington Capitals – A Rivalry Renewed

In the world of professional sports, rivalries add an extra layer of excitement and drama to the games. Fans eagerly anticipate clashes between two teams with a storied history of competition and animosity. In this edition of "Peepin' Foes," we turn our attention to the Washington Capitals, the longtime rivals of the New York Rangers. We'll explore the history, memorable moments, and FAQs surrounding this intense rivalry.

A Brief History of the Rivalry

The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when the Capitals entered the NHL as an expansion team. The Capitals' inaugural season in 1974-75 saw them finish with the worst record in the league, but they quickly developed into a competitive team.

The intensity of the rivalry escalated in the 1980s, with several playoff matchups leaving lasting impressions. One of the most notable moments came in the 1986 Patrick Division Semifinals when the Rangers' John Vanbiesbrouck and the Capitals' Bob Mason engaged in a memorable goaltending duel, with Vanbiesbrouck making a staggering 54 saves in one game.

Memorable Moments in the Rivalry

"Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!" – 1994 Eastern Conference Finals

No discussion of the Rangers-Capitals rivalry is complete without mentioning the iconic call of "Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!" by play-by-play announcer Howie Rose. In the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, the Rangers and Capitals battled through a seven-game series that included multiple overtime games. In Game 7, Stephane Matteau scored the series-winning goal in double overtime, sending the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Ovechkin vs. Lundqvist – Playoff Showdowns

Throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, the rivalry featured epic battles between two future Hall of Famers: Alex Ovechkin of the Capitals and Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers. These clashes were not only about team rivalries but also individual supremacy. Ovechkin's blistering shots against Lundqvist's acrobatic saves created unforgettable moments.

The Winter Classic – Outdoor Hockey in DC

The 2015 Winter Classic, played at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., was a memorable installment in the rivalry. The Rangers and Capitals took their feud outdoors, providing fans with an unforgettable experience. Troy Brouwer's game-winning goal in the dying moments of the third period secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Capitals.

FAQs About the Rangers-Capitals Rivalry

1. What makes the Rangers-Capitals rivalry special?

The Rangers-Capitals rivalry is special due to its longevity, intense playoff matchups, and memorable moments. It has featured legendary players and passionate fan bases on both sides.

2. Who are some key figures in the rivalry's history?

Key figures include Alex Ovechkin and Henrik Lundqvist, who epitomized the rivalry in the 2000s and 2010s. Iconic Rangers like Mark Messier and Brian Leetch also left their mark.

3. How do fans contribute to the rivalry's intensity?

Fans play a significant role by passionately supporting their teams, attending games in large numbers, and creating an electric atmosphere in the arenas.

4. What's the current state of the rivalry?

While the intensity of the rivalry has ebbed and flowed, games between the Rangers and Capitals still carry a special significance. Both teams continue to compete fiercely in the Metropolitan Division.

5. Are there any recent memorable moments in the rivalry?

Recent memorable moments include thrilling regular-season games and playoff matchups. The rivalry continues to produce exciting and hard-fought contests.

The Rangers-Capitals rivalry is a testament to the enduring appeal of sports rivalries. It's about more than just wins and losses; it's about history, passion, and unforgettable moments. As long as the two teams lace up their skates and face off against each other, this rivalry will remain a cherished part of NHL history. So, whether you're a die-hard Rangers fan or a passionate Capitals supporter, you can agree on one thing: the anticipation and excitement of the next Rangers-Capitals matchup will always be something special.