Niskanen pounces on rebound in overtime
Capitals put a halt to two-game losing streak with goal
WASHINGTON — The puck glanced off Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist’s glove, and Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen didn’t hesitate. “Don’t screw it up,” he thought to himself. He swatted in the rebound, and on a night the power play had boosted Washington, that three-onthree score in overtime secured a 4-3 win that marked the end of the Capitals’ twogame losing streak.
“I think Hank almost got a glove on it, too,” Niskanen said. “I almost didn’t score that one. Thankfully it Friday, 7 p.m. TV: NBCSWA Radio: 106.7 FM went in.”
The Capitals’ even-strength scoring remains a concern — the team has just two five-on-five goals in its past three games — but the power play remains a weapon. Washington has scored nine power-play goals through its first six games, and the contributions have been varied. Because Evgeny Kuznetsov, considered a pass-first center, has scored three of those goals, penalty kills have had to guard him more closely, making Washington’s man-advantage that much more dangerous. There’s also T.J. Oshie in the slot to consider and then defenseman John Carlson’s slap shot from the point.
But against the Rangers, the production came from a predictable source. Alex Ovechkin, whohasscored nearly a third of his 600-plus goals on the power play, scored twice from his beloved left faceoff circle.
“I don't think many teams have played him like they did tonight. They gave him a lot more space,” Carlson said.
“In order to completely take him Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal with center Nic Dowd (26) and other teammates during the second period. away, other guys are just too open and they’re good enough to score,” Niskanen said. “Are you gonna leave Osh open in the slot from the hash marks to cover Ovi? Our power play is set upwell with what hands guys are and their skill sets so wehavealot of different options. Guys are good at reading what’s open. It’s pretty lethal.”
Wednesday’s mistake-prone game went as the whistles did. Ovechkin’s two power-play goals had given Washington a 3-2 edge going into the third period, when forward Nathan Walker was called for holding in the offensive zone. New York then tied the game with a man-advantage strike from Chris Kreider, the Rangers’ second score on the power play.
With 5:17 left in regulation, Rangers center Kevin Hayes was called for high-sticking, putting Ovechkin and the Capitals’ hot power play back on the ice. Ovechkin hit the crossbar, the loud ping inviting groans in Capital One Arena, and the penalty was killed. In overtime, Kuznetsov’s shot caromed off Lundqvist’s glove, and Niskanen capitalized.
“Today we have really good looks,” Ovechkin said of the power play. “Obviously, everyone knows [Lundqvist] is one of the top goalies in the league – he's going to save it – but nobody knows who's going to take a shot when we play like that. And it's fun to play like that, to be honest with you. When [Nicklas Backstrom] and when Kuzy feeling the puck well, they can find you in the right time and the right place – same as Johnny."
During warm-ups, Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” played, a fitting soundtrack to what has been a contentious rivalry for years. But while the Capitals surrounded their aging superstar core with a strong supporting cast, the Rangers have started to rebuild around the 36-year-old Lundqvist. They missed the playoffs last season, selling off several of their best players. Under new Coach David Quinn, New York entered Wednesday’s game 2-4-0 through the first two weeks.
The Capitals had the scheduling advantage of catching the Rangers playing their second game in as many nights. But rather than get off to a strong start against a team on tired legs, Washington trailed early. Center Mike Zibanejed scored 6:09 into the game, punching in his own rebound. Jesper Fast nearly made it a two-goal game, but defenseman Christian Djoos swept the puck clear just before it crossed the goal line.
Less than two minutes later, the Capitals tied the game.