Yeah. Tom Frickin' Poti.
Oh, and they have that Ovechkin guy too.
Familiar Foes: Captain Caveman is joined by Nick Backstrom, Alex Semin and Mike Green in Washington's packed arsenal of talent. Former Ranger Mike Knuble is still working in the trenches and the rest of DC's second stringers remain unchanged in Brooks Laich, Eric Fehr and Tomas Fleischmann. It is expected that Semyon Varlamov will take over the starting goaltender position as the Caps let Three-Or-More walk. If you've forgotten, Varlamov is the kid who helped Washington bounce back and beat us in Tortorella's Folly (the first round of the playoffs two years back).
N00bz: Seeing as Washington blew a 3-1 series lead to Montreal due to the red-hot goaltending of Halak, the Caps went out and added a goon in DJ King. Yeah, that makes sense. Whatever. In that playoff series All-American Hero John Carlson turned a lot of heads and is expected to make the defense full time, as should another youngster - Karl Alzner.
Last Year: Thursday, October 8th 4-3 Ranger win; Tuesday, November 17th 4-2 Capital win; Thursday, February 4th 6-5 Capital win; and Saturday, March 6th 2-0 Capital win.
This Year: Tuesday, November 9th at MSG; Sunday, December 12th at MSG; Monday, January 24th in DC; and Friday, February 25th in DC.
What They Mean To Blue: POOOOTTTTTIIIIIIIII. And a bunch of losses. All four games last season were interesting affairs that were quite close but Washington rightly took three of four last season. They could very well replicate that feat again this season as long as Varly isn't atrocious. And if he is, his two backups Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby both have big NHL futures ahead of them.
Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Washington Capitals
:
The Washington Capitals, a perennial powerhouse in the NHL's Metropolitan Division, have consistently posed a significant challenge for the New York Rangers. With a roster full of star power, a history of playoff success, and an intense rivalry, matchups against the Capitals are always must-see events. In this "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," we'll take a deep dive into what makes the Washington Capitals a formidable adversary and what Rangers fans can expect in the upcoming clashes.
Team Overview:
The Washington Capitals, founded in 1974, are one of the league's older franchises. They've enjoyed sustained success in recent years, thanks in large part to the presence of Alexander Ovechkin, one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. The team's identity is built around a mix of high-scoring offense, solid defense, and elite goaltending.
Key Players:
Alexander Ovechkin: "The Great Eight" is the face of the franchise. Ovechkin is known for his incredible shot and goal-scoring ability. He consistently leads the league in goals, earning numerous Rocket Richard Trophies.
Nicklas Backstrom: A longtime Capital, Backstrom is Ovechkin's setup man. His playmaking ability and on-ice vision make him a threat every time he touches the puck.
John Carlson: One of the league's top offensive defensemen, Carlson quarterback's Washington's power play and contributes significantly in both ends of the ice.
Braden Holtby (Former): Holtby, a key part of the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup run, has since departed. But Ilya Samsonov is ready to take the reins in the crease.
Rivalry: Rangers vs. Capitals
The Rangers-Capitals rivalry is rooted in history, with numerous playoff meetings intensifying the feud. One of the most iconic moments came in the 2015 playoffs when the Rangers' Derek Stepan scored the series-winning goal in overtime, breaking the hearts of Capitals fans.
These matchups are known for their physicality, dramatic overtime goals, and star power on both sides. The rivalry continues to be a highlight of the NHL season, with each game carrying playoff-like intensity.
What to Watch For:
Offensive Firepower: The Capitals' offense, led by Ovechkin, can strike at any moment. Rangers' defensemen must be vigilant, especially on the penalty kill.
Physical Play: Expect big hits and hard-nosed hockey. Rivalries like this one often lead to scrums and confrontations after the whistle.
Goaltending Duel: If Igor Shesterkin is in net for the Rangers and Ilya Samsonov for the Capitals, it's a battle of young Russian goaltending talents.
Special Teams: Both teams boast potent power plays. Special teams could play a crucial role in the outcome of games.
Recent History:
In recent seasons, the Capitals have been a formidable opponent for the Rangers. With consistent playoff appearances and a Stanley Cup win in 2018, they have been a measuring stick for the Blueshirts. However, the Rangers have had their moments, including critical regular-season victories.
Fan Engagement:
Rangers fans, along with fans of the Capitals, can engage with this "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition" in various ways:
Share Your Rivalry Stories: Share your favorite moments, goals, or memories from Rangers-Capitals matchups.
Predict the Outcomes: Engage in discussions about how you think the games will play out and who the key contributors will be.
Key Matchups: Analyze and debate the key head-to-head matchups on the ice.
Historical Trivia: Test your knowledge with historical trivia questions about the rivalry.
:
As the Rangers prepare to face off against the Washington Capitals, there's a sense of excitement and anticipation. These matchups are more than just games; they're battles filled with history, rivalries, and a passion for hockey. In the "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," we've explored what makes the Capitals a formidable adversary and what fans can look forward to in the upcoming clashes. Get ready for another chapter in the thrilling Rangers vs. Capitals saga!
No comments:
Post a Comment