Game #39: New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals Open Thread
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It's been a rollercoaster of a season for the New York Rangers, but tonight they travel to the nation's capital and are matched up against the Washington Capitals. The Rangers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Nashville Predators, making tonight feel like a must-win game. Things haven't been too hot for the Capitals either, as they have lost six of their last eight games.
The Rangers appear to be healthier heading into tonight's game as both Matt Rempe and Gabe Perreault did not play against Nashville due to an illness. Both slot back into the lineup tonight with Perreault playing on the second line and Rempe on the fourth. Despite being called up from the Hartford Wolf Pack, Brett Berard is a healthy scratch tonight. For Washington, Ryan Leonard still remains on injured reserve and Pierre-Luc Dubois won't play.
Where to Watch
Cable/Network TV: MSG 2, NHL website, NHL app, and the Gotham Sports app
National Broadcast: ESPN+
Radio: 1050 AM
Player to Watch: Igor Shesterkin
Igor Shesterkin didn't play in the game against Nashville, but his last game against the Philadelphia Flyers did not go great. Shesterkin allowed four goals in the second period, and the Rangers were playing from behind most of the game. While it may seem easy to criticize his play this season, he is still seventh in goals saved above expected with 15.5 via MoneyPuck.
Igor was very hard on himself after the game. “We went the second period without a goalie.” #NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) December 20, 2025
Shesterkin was very hard on himself after the game against the Flyers, and tonight presents an opportunity for him to redeem himself. Washington is top 10 in both goals per game and shots. Shesterkin will be put to the test tonight, and a strong performance will go a long way in helping the Rangers win.
Enjoy the game!
