Rangers at Capitals: Open Game Thread
Rangers look to bounce back in the second half of their home-and-home with the Capitals.
After losing 4-2 to the Capitals (45-24-7, 97 points) at Madison Square Garden on Monday, the New York Rangers (33-35-8, 74 points) are back in action in Washington D.C.
On Monday, Lias Andersson made his NHL debut and scored his first NHL goal. Filip Chytil also rejoined the Rangers after playing twice in October, and tallied his first NHL point with an assist on a Mats Zuccarello goal.
Tonight, they take on the Capitals with some slight changes. Alexandar Georgiev who started the last game was returned to the Hartford Wolfpack now that both Henrik Lundqvist and Ondrej Pavelec are back from injury. Lundqvist will start and Pavelec will back up.
They'll also be without one of their assistant coaches, as Lindy Ruff won't be behind the bench tonight.
Rangers assistant Lindy Ruff not with team in DC. Fell during practice yesterday after stepping on puck and hit his head.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) March 28, 2018
Alain Vigneault said Ruff needed stitches in head and was diagnosed with concussion.
This game also officially marks the end of an era, as the Rangers are playing their first game since being eliminated from playoff contention. And for those few core Rangers left, it's the first time in their career that they'll be playing games with their team is already eliminated.
Lundqvist, Staal, Zuccarello, Kreider and others will play their first games officially eliminated from the playoffs tonight. The organization’s first since the end of the 2003-04 season. What a remarkable run. #NYR
— Matt Calamia (@MattCalamia) March 28, 2018
.@NYRangers fans - take a moment to appreciate the last 12 seasons. Never played a single game while out of playoff contention. 129 playoff games (2nd most in NHL since 2005-06). Six Game 7 wins. 3 Conference Finals, 1 Stanley Cup Final @MSGNetworks @DaveMaloneyMSG @TheGarden
— Kenny Albert (@KennyAlbert) March 28, 2018
