New York Rangers Game Thread: 3/29, Capitals at Rangers

Game Seventy-Five, the Washington Capitals at the New York Rangers

Record: 47-20-7
Opponent: 40-25-10
Season Series: 2-0-0, Rangers

The New York Rangers had a tough outing yesterday afternoon against the Boston Bruins, but they will look to rebound today when they welcome in the Washington Capitals. Throughout two matchups this season, the Rangers hold a 2-0 lead in the season series by splitting a pair of wins at Madison Square Garden and the Verzion Center earlier in the season.

With Henrik Lundqvist playing yesterday afternoon, Cam Talbot is expected to get the start this afternoon at Madison Square Garden. It will likely be one of Talbot's final starts on the year, and it will be a nice sendoff to have him finish off his run in front of the home crowd. That being said, tomorrow is another important game for the Rangers if they want to clinch the Metropolitan Division. That magic number to clinch the division remains at any combination of seven points, and a win would knock that number down to just five.

Even though the Rangers have their spot in the playoffs locked up, it can only help them by heading into the post season on a high note. Over the last little while, they haven't been on top of their game, and a win this afternoon can only help them later on down the road. Hopefully today yields a better result than yesterday.

The New York Rangers' March Schedule

3/2, Predators at Rangers, 7:00 (win.)
3/4, Rangers at Red Wings, 8:00 (overtime loss.)
3/8, Rangers at Blackhawks, 7:30 (win.)
3/10, Rangers at Islanders, 7:00 (win!!!)
3/11 Rangers at Capitals, 8:00 (win)
3/14, Rangers at Sabres, 7:00 (win)
3/15, Panthers at Rangers, 5:00 (win)
3/18, Blackhawks at Rangers, 8:00 (loss)
3/21, Rangers at Hurricanes, 7:00 (win? Kinda.)
3/22, Ducks at Rangers, 7:30 (the winniest of wins)
3/24, Kings at Rangers, 7:00 (loss)
3/26, Rangers at Senators, 7:00 (win)
3/28, Rangers at Bruins, 1:00 (loss)
3/29, Capitals at Rangers, 3:00
3/31, Rangers at Jets, 8:00

Bryan's Player to Watch: Rick Nash

Despite the lousy performance by the Rangers yesterday, the one bright spot was Rick Nash breaking his scoring slump, and finally notching his 40th goal of the season. He has hit the 40 goal plateau for the third time in his career, but this is the first time he has done it in a Rangers uniform. Hopefully that was the boost of confidence he needed to get going again, and he goes on a tear heading into the playoffs.

Enjoy the game everyone!