Burakovsky (2 goals), Caps go up 3-1 on NYR
The Capitals pushed the Rangers to the brink of elimination in Game 4. (Getty Images)
Every night during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Eye On Hockey writers Adam Gretz and Chris Peters will bring you up to speed everything you need to know about all of the action around the NHL. Here’s what you need to know about Capitals vs. Rangers, Game 4.
New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals, Game 4
Capitals 2, Rangers 1 | Capitals lead series 3-1 | Game 5 Friday
Game 4 in a nutshell: Oh, look, another low-scoring, one-goal game between the Rangers and Capitals. In a punch-counter punch type battle, the Rangers and Capitals traded chances all game. Despite the Rangers scoring first, two goals from Andre Burakovsky and a 28-save performance from Braden Holtby put the Caps in the driver’s seat to end the series in Game 5.
Turning point: It’s hard to pinpoint a specific moment that really turned the game, but it’s important to highlight Braden Holtby’s glove save on Carl Hagelin‘s penalty shot. The Rangers were buzzing a bit more at that point in the period and Hagelin’s speed helped him draw the penalty shot with Mike Green hauling him down. Hagelin’s not a great breakaway shooter, but he made Holtby work for the save. At that point, the Caps were able to hold the 2-1 lead and seemingly tightened their grip on the narrow lead.
Three things we learned
1. The Capitals continue to get scoring from less likely places. If there’s a difference between the Rangers and Capitals, it’s that Washington’s depth players have been able to break through even when the stars haven’t. Over the last two games, the Capitals have gotten goals from Jay Beagle and Burakovsky. Early in the series, it was Alex Ovechkin. The Rangers have been able to hold him in check, but others have had to step up. The “Killer B” line with Burakovsky, Beagle and Troy Brouwer has been stepping up in a big way and they’ve helped put the Caps on the brink of the Eastern Conference Final.
2. Braden Holtby is not of this world right now. Another huge performance in net ended with 28 saves, one of which came on a penalty shot. The way Holtby is playing right now has to do nothing good for the Rangers’ confidence at this point. The only goal he allowed came on a broken play that gave Derick Brassard an open look from about 2 feet away. The Capitals don’t give up many chances like that. His performance throughout the playoffs has been striking.
3. The Rangers aren’t dead yet. Despite falling behind 3-1, they’ve been in games. In fact, they’ve been in a lot of games. Dating back to the Stanley Cup Final last year, they have played in 11 consecutive one-goal games. Eleven! Even in the losses, they’ve kept things close. A shot not falling here or there has been the difference. What the Rangers need more than anything now is a bounce, any kind of bounce, to go their way. Frustration has to be at an all-time high right now, but they have no choice but to turn it into fuel for Game 5. They get back on MSG ice and can buy themselves at least another few days, but nothing will come easy in this series.
Video of the game: Andre Burakovsky spent part of this postseason in the pressbox. At just 20 years old he still has plenty to learn, but he didn’t look like a 20-year-old Wednesday night. After scoring the Capitals’ first goal late in the second period, he wasted no time getting to work in period three. Burakovsky was the recipient of a fortuitous bounce that allowed him to break in all alone on Henrik Lundqvist. Burakovsky made a beautiful move to beat his fellow Swede and one of the finest goaltenders in the world. It was a huge moment for Burakovsky in his young career, but it’s even bigger for the Caps who are a win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Final.
In the battle of Burakovsky vs. the Rangers, it’s 2-1 @washcaps in the 3rd. #NYRvsWSH #StanleyCup http://t.co/N0s0qOXxSy
— NHL (@NHL) May 7, 2015
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