The Washington Capitals and New York Rangers drew the early game Saturday with their Game 2 matinee in Washington, but neither team looked like they just rolled out of bed. The first period was scoreless but featured a lot of physical play and jawing between players, with captains Ryan Callahan and Alex Ovechkin leading the way.
Capitals vs. Rangers Game 2 update: Power plays exchanged in scoreless 1st period
It’s Saturday’s early game, but both teams came out ready to play.
The first period also featured several saves, particularly from Henrik Lundqvist, who stopped three shots on a late Capitals power play and was forced to move side-to-side on several more attempts.
How did the Capitals get that power play? Well, Steven Oleksy pushed Derek Dorsett around in Dorsett's Rangers debut, then sold this highstick at the end of the exchange:
No words heard there from Oleksy, but his body language sold a “Ouch! I’m hit! I’m hit!” message that the referees bought.
They say the guy who retaliates is always the one who gets called and has been true today, as Ryan Callahan similarly drew a call on Troy Brouwer after Callahan initiated several hits and shoves.
After losing in Game 1, the Rangers made two lineup changes for Saturday, inserting two forwards who were returning from injury and scratching two youngsters. Brian Boyle and Dorsett, a former Blue Jacket who was injured when he was acquired at the trade deadline, stepped in for Kris Newbury and 2012 playoff hero Chris Kreider.
The Capitals outshot the Rangers 12-7 on the period. They lead the series 1-0.
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