Rangers 3, Capitals 2

The Capitals made the Rangers earn their win, responding to each goal with one of their own. Mike Knuble’s goal to tie it at 2 in the third period was huge, as it felt like the life was sucked out of Madison Square Garden.

Would the Rangers crumble? Or would they not quit? The latter happened thanks to Brandon Dubinsky, who scored with less than two minutes left in regulation.

Game 4 is Wednesday night.

Three up

Brandon Dubinsky — His game-winning goal had a bit of puck luck. He made a move near the crease and let the shot go, which bounced off Karl Alzner’s shoulder and deflected off Alex Ovechkin’s stick and behind Michael Neuvirth. Dubinsky had a strong game, also assisting on Vinny Prospal’s goal that gave the Rangers a 2-1 lead and had seven hits.

Ruslan Fedotenko — He had the no-goal to close out the second period. In the third, with the score 1-1, he made a phenomenal defensive play, diving and extending his body and stick as much as he could to poke the puck away from Alex Ovechkin, who was skating in on Henrik Lundqvist on a 2-on-1 break with John Carlson. That was the momentum changer for the third period.

Chris Drury — So he only played less than 8 minutes, but he took 19 faceoffs, winning 15 of them. He may not be counted upon to contribute offensively, but he’s doing his job by winning most of his faceoffs, which can’t be overlooked.

Three down

NBC — When the puck went in behind Neuvirth as the final seconds ticked off, the refs called it a goal. After all, he saw the puck cross the line. But did it happen in time? According to NBC’s ticker, yes. Then it turns out that NBC didn’t have the official game clock, so the replay that everyone was seeing from home was a hair behind. To all of us, naturally, the puck crossed over the line in time. Officially, however, it did not. That’s completely inexcusable and somebody is going to need to be held accountable.

Marian Gaborik — He watched from the penalty box as Mike Knuble scored to tie up the game. Ineffective offensively, ineffective on the power play, only three shots on goal and the pressure on him continues to build. He did seem to be working well trying to find space to get open, but the Rangers can’t go on much longer without Gaborik doing the one thing that he’s supposed to do – score.

Brandon Dubinsky’s ‘stache — Ummm, what is that? Seriously. I feel like it’s a lot of work to get that creepy/porn star-looking thing on his face. He kind of looks like Luigi from Super Mario Bros. But hey, he got the game winner so I shouldn’t complain. Much.

If you’re John Tortorella, you don’t EVER think the Rangers’ backs are against the wall (his words, not mine).

But it’s difficult to see otherwise going into today’s Game 3 (3 p.m. NBC).

The Capitals are up 2-0 in the series, and it’s a commanding 2-0 lead. That word isn’t really used until a team faces elimination, but there haven’t been that many positive signs to show that the offense will be able to keep the Capitals.

To do that, they need everyone to step up.

Brandon Dubinsky got the most ice time out of the Rangers forwards in the past two games. And all he has to show for it is 3 shots total and winning 36 percent of his faceoffs. He’s also been on the ice for all of the Capitals’ even-strength goals. Dubinsky said he needs to make sure he’s “harder on the puck.” (New York Times)

Marian Gaborik took a lighthearted approach to talking about his goal-scoring drought, which has climbed to 11 games: “I just have to relax a little bit and I guess close my eyes or something.” Is anyone laughing? Goal scoring can happen in streaks (Phil Kessel, anyone?) but it’s unfortunate that Gaborik has decided to become a dud when the Rangers are starving for offense. He’s had his chances, he just has to finish them now. (Toronto Sun)

The power play needs to make the most of its opportunities because the Capitals aren’t giving them too much of those opportunities. The Rangers have just had four power play opportunities through two games — and taken just three shots. Tortorella might change things up with the man advantage: “Your power play is always a little microcosm of what your offense is. We’re struggling there.” Makes sense. (NorthJersey.com)

Henrik Lundqvist has been good. Great most of the time. Really great/spectacular some of the time. While some of the goals that have gone in are what you’d call fluky, the bottom line is, Michal Neuvirth has let in one goal in two games, and Lundqvist has not. His margin of error continues to thin, and he needs to be as close to perfect as possible.

Get the view from the other side at VC-Chillin.

For tonight’s game (7:30 p.m. on Versus) Mats Zuccarello is out, Sean Avery is in.

Zuccarello took a pretty dumb penalty in Game 1, one that you can chalk it up to a rookie mistake in the regular season but a pretty boneheaded boarding penalty in the first period with the Rangers down, 1-0. He’s been in and out of the lineup this season, and with the loss, it’s not a surprise that John Tortorella has opted to go with Avery to give the team some energy.

Avery needs to be the player that he’s capable of being. That’s to get under the opponent’s skin (possibly stay planted in the Capitals’ crease) and not let his emotions get the best of him. Most importantly, stay out of the box! It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s on a short leash though, so while Zuccarello sits, it might not be permanent.

Matt Gilroy, also a regular scratch near the end of the season, earned himself another game. I’m sure his goal helped, and the Rangers are going to need that secondary scoring to come to have a chance in this series.

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The Rangers are sure making goalie Marty Biron earn his paycheck. Biron, sidelined since early March, is a correspondent for Blueshirts United, a fan site that’s an extension of the Rangers’ official site. The ever chatty Biron, never why in front of the camera or the mic, is taping video journals throughout the playoffs.

It’s pretty perfect to have Biron be the one to do these. He might ramble on, but he’s so insightful and there’s none of that cliche answers that athletes are so known to give.

In Video Journal 1, Biron does an interview. He reveals that in the last game of the regular season, he almost reinjured his collarbone after celebrating Chris Drury’s goal. He’s kidding of course. He’s also shaving every single day, going against the playoff tradition of letting your facial hair grow. He’s not kidding with that, I don’t think.

In Video Journal 2, Biron takes us behind the scenes at the Verizon Center, pointing out how because of the high security in Washington, dogs sniff around the team bus after it arrives to the arena, and everyone goes through another security checkpoint.

There’s also another gem, when Biron talks about an area at Verizon where you can get your shoes shined. He runs into fellow goalie Chad Johnson, who sounds a little peeved to have been waiting for the guy to shine his shoes. Good stuff.

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John Tortorella claims he was in a good mood this morning, but a question by a member of the media rubs him the wrong way and he’s pissed.

Capitals 2, Rangers 1 (OT)

A bad clearing attempt by the Rangers with about 1:30 left in overtime led to a rocket of a shot by Alexander Semin, and the Capitals took Game 1 at Verizon Center.

What was disheartening was that it felt like the Rangers should have won this game, as both of the Capitals’ goals were scored after capitalizing on mistakes. But, the fact that the Rangers kept it this close was encouraging, and if they work on a few things now that they know the type of game the Capitals will play, they have a shot.

Three up

Alex Semin —” the Capitals’ overtime hero missed having a permanent spot on three down. Before tonight, he hadn’t scored a goal in the past 14 playoff games.

Rangers’ shot-blockers — the Capitals were actually credited with more blocked shots (32) to the Rangers’ 28, but the Rangers were flying and diving to get those shots. Chris Drury and Dan Girardi at one point were pain but shook it off.

Henrik Lundqvist — made some phenomenal saves to keep the Rangers in it, but still has to absolutely steal a game for the Rangers.

Three down

Marc Staal/Dan Girardi — hate to call out the Rangers’ top pairing. But, it was their collision that led to the Capitals first goal. Then, it was Staal’s bad clearing attempt in overtime that led to Jason Arnott jumped on, leading to Semin’s goal.

Rangers in the second period — what was that? It was like the Rangers were asleep. It was a wonder the Capitals didn’t score a goal or two in the second.

Capitals crowd — The Verizon Center was rocking the red, but I don’t know if it’s my television or the station that was broadcasting the game, but it didn’t feel like a playoff atmosphere. If I didn’t know it was a playoff game, I probably would’ve thought it was some regular-season game. The crowd for the Penguins-Lightning and Red Wings-Coyotes gave me chills through the television screen.

When the Rangers are on top of their game, it’s easy to root for them, to rally around them.

John Tortorella has created a blue-collar team, one that’s hard-working and gritty — chipping away at a game and grinding out a win. Plus, they have a Staal. Any team with a Staal is bound for success. It’s in the genes.

When the Rangers deviate from their game plan, however, they can be extremely frustrating to watch. Watching them down the stretch of the regular season, it was alarming how they simply did not show up to play for two games against non-playoff contenders.

The Capitals, on the other hand, are interesting and confusing at the same time. This is a team that pundits in multiple years picked to win it all. After years of not even making it to the Eastern Conference finals, the Capitals finally decided to change up their philosophy to become a more defensive-minded team. While that’s ultimately been successful since the Capitals finished first in the conference, whether that equates to playoff success has yet to be seen.

The Capitals aren’t that intimidating to me, not that it means I’m having a big head about it. The Rangers have their work cut out for them, but this team just seems to be built to wreak havoc and upset a series. Here’s how they match up:

Rangers offense vs. Capitals defense

Marian Gaborik scored only four games in the final 12 games of season — and three of them were in one game. He’s going to need to come out whatever hole he’s been hiding in for the Rangers to have any kind of  success, especially if the series goes to 7 games. But even without him, the Rangers can still score because of their more balanced scoring this season. The offense is going to have to win the puck battles and attack the net to have success against the defense, which will reportedly get Mike Green back, but is without Dennis Wideman, and the top pair of Karl Alzner and John Carlson have nine playoff games to their belt. Edge: Rangers offense

Capitals offense vs. Rangers defense

The Rangers’ defense ranked fourth in the league in goals-against, and they did shut out the Capitals in the regular season twice. They also have Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, who have been phenomenal. But it’s hard to go against Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Semin and the like. Edge: Capitals offense

Special teams

Both teams had similar numbers converting on the power play during the regular season, and weren’t too far off from killing a penalty (though the Capitals’ numbers are No. 2 in the NHL (85.6%), Rangers No. 10 (83.7%). The loss of Ryan Callahan further downgrades the Rangers on special teams. Ten of his 47 points came on the power play, nevermind that he also had five game-winning goals. One key stat that jumped out was that the Rangers averaged two minutes more in the penalty box than the Capitals this season. The Rangers are going to need to stay out of the box. Edge: Capitals

Goaltending

Neither Semyon Varlamov nor Michal Neurvirth really emerged as the starting goaltender this season, but Neuvirth is getting the nod for Wednesday. Should he falter, don’t be surprised if Varlamov is quick to replace him. Even though Varlamov was the winning goaltender in Game 7 two years ago against the Rangers, it’s hard to go against Henrik Lundqvist in this one  — especially with another great season he’s had, including two shutouts against the Capitals. Edge: Rangers

Coaching

Again, we can go back to two years ago and say Bruce Boudreau “out-coached” Tortorella. But Tortorella has a set system where each player is an important piece to the puzzle. Boudreau, on the other hand, has this system that’s new this year, and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t but does it really  matter because his players are still great. What happens when the “new and improved” Capitals have their backs against the wall? Does Boudreau go back to offensive firepower or stick to what he spent this entire season implementing? Also, Tortorella is a proven winner and Boudreau is not. Edge: Rangers

Prediction: Rangers in 6

• The Rangers defense corps lacks in playoff experience. (New York Times)

• The Vancouver Canucks have 3-1 odds of winning the Stanley Cup. (The Hockey News)

• The Anaheim Ducks’ faith in head coach Randy Carlyle is paying off. (Orange County Register)

• To Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Guy Boucher, Sidney Crosby is playing. (Globe and Mail)

• The Chicago Blackhawks are feeling lucky to be back in the playoffs. Patrick Kane’s mullet included. (Globe and Mail)

• What will home ice mean for the Pittsburgh Penguins in their new arena? Guess we’ll find out Wednesday. (Post-Gazette)

• Back in June 2008, after losing in the Stanley Cup Finals, Ryan Malone had a feeling that that was his final game as a Pittsburgh Penguin. It was, but now he’s back. (Post-Gazette)

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TFLN (Tweets from Last Night around the NHL)

Oh, playoffs, how New York has missed you.

The Rangers last played in the postseason April 28, 2009, against the Washington Capitals, ironically. The Rangers seemingly had a stranglehold on the series, leading 3-1, but the Capitals clawed back, and the Rangers have been left with a bitter taste in their mouths ever since.

It seems forever ago, doesn’t it? Especially with the Rangers missing the postseason last year?

The only current Rangers player involved in the playoffs last season was Ruslan Fedotenko, who suited up for six Pittsburgh Penguins’ playoff games, recording 0 points.

So don’t be surprised if this is an anxious bunch. Also consider:

-Eight players will be in the postseason for the very first time: Brandon Prust, Brian Boyle, Chad Johnson, Matt Gilroy, Mats Zuccarello, Michael Sauer, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan — the last four being rookies.

-Artem Anisimov has only been in one playoff game.

-Bryan McCabe hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2004, the Rangers’ longest drought.

Can’t imagine how anxious every is!

Links from around the league at the top o’ the morning.

• The Chicago Blackhawks need to make their point. (Chicago Tribune) They’re in desperation mode. (Detroit Free Press)

• The Washington Capitals admitted that their minds weren’t on playing the Florida Panthers but on their playoff dates with the Rangers. (Washington Post)

• Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang and Max Talbot are on the cusp of their 82nd game today. (Post-Gazette)

• The Tampa Bay Lightning, who face the Penguins in the first round, look playoff ready. (St. Petersburg Times)

• Jacques Martin of the Montreal Canadiens gets his 600th win as head coach. (Globe and Mail)

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TFLN (Tweets from Last Night around the NHL)

Screenshot image of rangers.nhl.com

First came the win, then came the scoreboard watching, now come the Washington Capitals.

What an eventful way the Rangers closed out the regular season. They certainly have made it interesting the past few seasons, having their playoff fate going down to the wire.

Going into the night’s games, the Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes had the same number of points. The league’s rule mandates that the higher seed is awarded to the team with the better series record — Carolina.

The Rangers needed to win against the New Jersey Devils to gain the two-point edge, then needed the Tampa Bay Lightning to beat the Hurricanes.

It was a tale of two teams. The Rangers did themselves no favors Thursday night when they were the ones playing like a playoff-less team — not the Atlanta Thrashers. So the way they responded against the Devils showed that they can bounce back from a bad loss and win in a do-or-die situation.

The Hurricanes, on the other hand, had a fury of an end of the season, putting together wins and racking up the points, always staying within striking distance of the Rangers. The Canes won convincingly in the last two games before completely falling apart against the Lightning.

It’ll be said that the Hurricanes didn’t make the playoffs on the last game of the regular season, much like it was said the Rangers didn’t make it last year in the end too. But, the playoffs were lost a few weeks back, a few months back. A point here and a point there, and fortunes are different.

And really, if anyone knows how Carolina feels right now, it’s the Rangers.

Looking ahead though, the Rangers and Capitals are going to be an epic matchup. The 2009 playoffs are still fresh in the Rangers’ minds, at least. They completely crumbled in the last playoff appearance, unable to dispose the Capitals after leading the series 3-1. The Capitals eventually stormed back and took the series.

Just watching the video gets me pumped for the series!

Links from around the league at the top ‘o the morning.

• 15 seconds is all it took for the Rangers to lose control of their fate. (Daily News)

• Thrashers play spoiler. (Journal-Constitution) The Rangers need them to do it one more time. (New York Times)

• Raffi Torres stands by his hit on Jordan Eberle. (The Province) That’s nice, the league says. (Globe and Mail)

• Corey Perry‘s teammates are sharing in his success. Greedy jerks. (Orange County Register)

• The owner of the Ottawa Senators is staying mum on the future of his general manager and coach. Oh, how will we ever sleep at night? (Globe and Mail)

TFLN (Tweets from Last Night around the NHL)