Rangers Vs. Capitals: Artem Anisimov Scores Shootout Winner; Rangers Win, 2-1

In the fourth round of the shootout, Artem Anisimov found the back of the net and scored the game winner as the New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals, 2-1. Wojtek Wolski and Mats Zuccarello were the other scorers for the Rangers while Nicklas Backstrom and Matt Hendricks scored the only goals for the Capitals in the shootout.

The Rangers tied the game at the midway point in the third period on a fluke deflection from Marian Gaborik. The puck went off of Gaborik’s stick and hand while he was trying to bat it down and it sailed over the head of Braden Holtby and into the net. Gaborik’s goal was assisted by Sean Avery and Brian Boyle. The lone Capitals goal was scored early in the second period by Hendricks. Hendricks’ goal was assisted by Marcus Johansson and Scott Hannan.

A few weeks after the Rangers dismantled the Capitals at Madison Square Garden, 7-1, the Rangers and Capitals skate to a scoreless first period. Both teams have been playing sound defensive hockey and each goaltender has had to make few spectacular saves to keep their teams in the game.

The Rangers and Capitals had a total of 12 shots on net with the Rangers leading in shots 7-5. For both teams, their backup goaltenders are playing well enough in this game. The Rangers have gone with Martin Biron after playing five games in seven nights and the Capitals have gone with Braden Holtby with both Varlamov and Neuvirth on the mend.