Game #77: New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals Open Thread

Following a back to back set in which the Rangers dropped both ends of, Gerard Gallant's squad will conclude its road trip in our nation's capital tonight. The Blueshirts are set to finish off the season series with Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, and the rest of the Washington Capitals.

Although the Capitals are still mathematically alive in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, saying they would need a miracle to make the playoffs at this point would be a major understatement. As such, the team is primed to end the longest streak in the NHL, eight consecutive seasons, of making it to at least the divisional semifinal round of the playoffs. The Capitals missed the playoffs in the first year of the current playoff format back in 2013-14, but have qualified every year since up until now.

Player to Watch: Jimmy Vesey

While the play of New York's top six has left plenty to be desired as of late, the bottom six has been a source of strong play, and Jimmy Vesey is a big reason why. Having turned the professional tryout he arrived in training camp with into a contract for this season and eventually a two year extension midway through the season, Vesey's play throughout his second stint on Broadway has been a bright spot for the Blueshirts. Keep an eye on Vesey as the Rangers look to crack the 100 standings point mark for the second consecutive season.

Enjoy the game!