Game #42: Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers Open Thread

The second half of the 2023-24 campaign begins today for the Blueshirts. Closing out the first half in the midst of a four game losing streak, Peter Laviolette’s squad will look to get back on track against the same opponent as yesterday. The scene has shifted from Washington D.C. to Manhattan for the second of a back to back set with the Washington Capitals, and the Rangers are hoping for a different result than yesterday as well.

Entering the third period with a 2-1 lead on the back of two Adam Fox goals, New York appears primed to end their losing streak and end the first half of the season on a high note. Instead, Washington beat Jonathan Quick twice in a span of less than two minutes midway through the frame, and the Rangers failed to mount any more offense en route to their fourth consecutive loss. Igor Shesterkin will get the nod in net today, and another loss to push the losing streak up to five would set off alarms all over Rangerstown.

Player to Watch: Barclay Goodrow

Having skated in all but two of the Blueshirts games thus far, Goodrow’s 1-4-5 stat line has plenty to be desired. The veteran center has gone 24 games since finding the back of the net for his first and only goal of the season, and with Nick Bonino capable of filling the same role as Goodrow at less than 25% of the price, Goodrow has been coming under more fire as of late. Keep an eye on Goodrow as he looks to put forth the kind of performance that will quell some of the doubters about Goodrow’s future on Broadway.

Enjoy the game!