Where We Are: Coming off a three game road trip where the team went 1-2 but played considerably better than they did in the four straight losses that preceded the western swing.
Where They Are: Oh, just on a 11 game streak - 11 wins. In a row. Can you imagine? And, all it did was put them in first place in the league. And they've won six of the last eight games against the Rangers. Yeah, this looks good for us. Who To Watch For: Really? Do I need to list 'em? Ovie, Nick Backstrom and Alex Semin are all scorchingly hot right now. Tomas Fleischmann, Mike Knuble and Brooks Laich are all providing secondary scoring - heh, that would be nice. Secondary scoring, on the Rangers?
What To Watch For: Matt Bradley has one goal in his last 18 games, which of course makes him the odds-on favourite to score. Washington started slowly in each of the last two games, yet still pulled through - if the Rangers can score a bunch of goals early ... ok, any goals ... they can not rest on their laurels and certainly can not do the typical Ranger second period slacking.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Smarter coaching - no five forwards on the power play. No Chris Drury on the power play. Jose Theodore to change back from Theorgasm to Three-or-more. Someone cream Tom Poti for skating off the ice with his hand to his ear last spring; that sight still haunts me. Brandon Prust not to be all Ryan Hollweg again and not take a borderline boarding penalty and to get into a real fight this time, likely with Jason Chimera.
Also Check Out: I could give you a list but really, there is no point. Japer's Rink is the best Caps blog, hands down.
Peepin' Foes: Washington Capitals - A Rivalry Renewed
The NHL is a league defined by fierce rivalries that transcend time and place. These rivalries are built on a foundation of history, passion, and memorable moments. In this edition of "Peepin' Foes," we shine a spotlight on the rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals, two teams with a storied history of clashes that continue to captivate fans.
A History of Hostility
The rivalry between the Rangers and the Capitals dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it truly intensified in the 1990s. One of the defining moments of this rivalry occurred during the 1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs when the Rangers and the Capitals faced off in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
That series, which lasted six games, is etched into the memories of fans from both teams. The Rangers, led by iconic captain Mark Messier, managed to overcome a 2-1 series deficit to defeat the Capitals. Messier's guarantee of a Game 6 victory and his subsequent hat trick to fulfill that promise are legendary moments in Rangers history. The rivalry during that era was a battle of wills, grit, and determination.
The Modern Era Battles
Fast forward to the present, and the Rangers-Capitals rivalry continues to be a highlight of the NHL calendar. With multiple playoff matchups in recent years, the intensity hasn't waned. The modern era features stars like Alexander Ovechkin for the Capitals and Artemi Panarin for the Rangers, ensuring that every game is must-watch television.
The Capitals have enjoyed considerable success in the Ovechkin era, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. The Rangers, on the other hand, have been in a transitional phase, rebuilding their roster with an eye on the future. However, when these two teams meet, the past is forgotten, and the focus is squarely on the present.
Key Matchups and Moments
One of the intriguing aspects of this rivalry is how evenly matched the teams often appear. The games are characterized by high-scoring affairs, big hits, and momentum swings. Key matchups between star players, like Ovechkin and Panarin, create moments that are etched into the annals of the rivalry's history.
In recent seasons, goaltending battles have been a highlight of Rangers-Capitals games. Goaltenders like Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers and Braden Holtby for the Capitals have stolen the show on numerous occasions with spectacular saves that defy logic.
The Playoff Implications
As with any rivalry, the playoff implications add an extra layer of drama. Playoff series between these two teams have often gone the distance, with Game 7 showdowns that leave fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it's a dramatic overtime winner or a heroic goaltending performance, these series have provided unforgettable moments.
In the NHL, rivalries aren't just about the players on the ice; they extend to the fans in the stands. When the Rangers and Capitals meet, Madison Square Garden is electric, and the Capital One Arena is rocking. The passionate fan bases make these games feel like more than just regular-season contests.
FAQs
1. What's the origin of the rivalry between the Rangers and Capitals?
The rivalry began to intensify in the 1990s, with memorable playoff matchups, including Mark Messier's famous guarantee and hat trick in 1994.
2. Who are the key players in the modern era of this rivalry?
Alexander Ovechkin for the Capitals and Artemi Panarin for the Rangers are among the star players who have defined the rivalry in recent years.
3. What makes Rangers-Capitals games so special?
These games are known for their high-scoring, physical nature, and dramatic moments. The evenly matched teams and passionate fan bases add to the excitement.
4. How have playoff matchups contributed to the rivalry?
Playoff series between the Rangers and Capitals have often gone to Game 7, with dramatic moments and heroic performances that are etched into the rivalry's history.
In the world of sports, rivalries are the lifeblood of competition. The Rangers and Capitals rivalry is a shining example of this, a testament to the enduring passion and history that make the NHL such a captivating league. So, when these two teams face off, you can be sure that you're in for a thrilling spectacle that reminds us all why we love the game of hockey.
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