Safe to say, the New York Rangers have -- without losing it outright -- probably hit their emotional low point in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series with the Washington Capitals.
Capitals Vs. Rangers, Game 5: Washington Looks To Finish Off New York After Double OT Win
With an overtime chance to tie the series headed back to the nation's capital, a botched clearing attempt from Marian Gaborik gave Washington the win and a 3-1 edge in the series. Today, the two teams will play Game 5 at the Verizon Center. With a victory, the Capitals advance to the Conference Semifinals, and if the Rangers win, they head back to New York with another chance to tie things.
Game 5 has typically been a pivotal one in Capitals recent post-season history. The winner of Game 5 has won three of the last four playoff series that Washington's participated in. Mike Knuble will miss his second consecutive game for Washington, still injured with what is likely something wrong with his right hand. Once again, Eric Fehr will be skating in his place. Michal Neuvirth will start, as he has in every game of the series.
For the Rangers, it appears that there won’t be any lineup changes for Game 5. They’ve got to look at recent history for inspiration. Last year, Washington went ahead 3-1 in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series with Montreal, only to see the Habs come all the way back and win Game 7 at the Verizon Center. The Rangers find themselves with that very same deficit today, but will have to overcome a devastating Game 4 defeat to do so. It’ll be Henrik Lundqvist in goal again.
We’re live from the Verizon Center for this one. I’ll be updating through warm-ups and then throughout the game and you can follow me on Twitter for instant updates. You can also check out Japers’ Rink and Blueshirt Banter for more info from the local perspectives.
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