Game #33: Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers Open Thread

After three days away from the ice to celebrate Christmas, the Rangers are back in action for a Metropolitan Division clash tonight. The Washington Capitals are in town for the first occasion of the 2023-24 campaign, and the Blueshirts will look to stop Alex Ovechkin and friends from spoiling the vibes the team enjoyed following its 4-3 overtime victory over Buffalo prior to the break.

The Capitals have been in the news for off-ice reasons as of late. Team owner Ted Leonsis recently announced his intention to move the Capitals (along with the NBA’s Washington Wizards) out of D.C. proper and into Virginia by the end of the decade. The team will still go by the Washington moniker, but will become the first major pro sports team to play its home games in Virigina if that move comes to fruition. For now, it’ll be a revenge game for Peter Laviolette, Washington’s former head coach.

Player to Watch: Nick Bonino

While Bonino arrived in New York largely due to the connection he formed with Laviolette during their time together in Nashville, Bonino has plenty of familiarity with the Capitals. A two time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bonino squared off against Washington three years in a row from 2016-2018, prevailing in two of those three series. Keep an eye on Bonino as the Blueshirts look to maintain their winning ways.

Enjoy the game!