04/05/26 08:54:00
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04/05 20:53 CDT Capitals get blown out 8-1 by the Rangers in a game crucial to
their playoff hopes
Capitals get blown out 8-1 by the Rangers in a game crucial to their playoff
hopes
By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --- Charlie Lindgren allowed eight goals on 32 shots as the
defense melted down in front of him, and the Washington Capitals blew a major
opportunity to keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race by losing to
the already-eliminated New York Rangers 8-1 on Sunday night.
They now face a daunting task to get in: three points back with four games left
to play. The Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers
are ahead of them in the chase for third in the Metropolitan Division, with
those teams plus the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators also in the way for
the East's second and final wild card spot.
That precarious position made this close to a must-win game for Washington, and
it got off to a rough start. Former Capitals winger Conor Sheary scored 23
seconds in against Lindgren, who was making his first start since March 12
after Logan Thompson played the previous 10 games.
After going into the first intermission tied, following a breakaway goal from
Connor McMichael, the bottom fell out in the second period.
A second consecutive delay of game penalty for putting the puck over the glass
7 seconds after the first expired paved the way for a Rangers power-play goal
when Mika Zibanejad's shot banked in off J.T. Miller's left skate. Will Cuylle
scored twice over the ensuing six minutes, and goals by Adam Sykora and Adam
Fox put the deficit out of reach.
Cuylle completed his first NHL hat trick with 31.5 seconds left, Vincent
Trocheck scored earlier in the third and Igor Shesterkin made 20 saves for the
Rangers, who won for the fifth time in six home games. They had just nine
victories at Madison Square Garden in their first 34 before this home stand
began.
Up next
Capitals: Visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.
Rangers: Host the playoff-bound Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday in their home
finale.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
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