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The Washington Capitals are set to face off against the New York Rangers in a promising matchup in the initial knockout stages, with hopes of winning the Stanley Cup.
The Capitals secured their spot in the playoffs with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The New York Rangers have had a strong season, securing their position at the top of the league standings, and finishing above the Carolina Hurricanes and other quality sides.
The Metropolitan Division showdown sees the fourth-placed team facing off against the league leaders in the postseason for the first time since 2015.
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers: Game Info
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- Date: Monday, April 21
- Time: 3:00 p.m.ET
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- TV Channel: ESPN+, MSG.
- Live Stream: Hulu and FuboTV (free trial)
Washington Capitals game preview
(40-31-11, fourth in the Metropolitan Division)
The Washington Capitals are coming into their first playoff game of the season with momentum, having secured three back-to-back victories, including their latest triumph over the Flyers.
The side would be banking on their form to overcome the league leaders and advance to the next round, hoping to go all the way and win the Stanley Cup this season.
Washington Capitals key players and injuries
The Capitals head into this game without key players Nick Jensen, Rasmus Sandin, Ethan Bear, and Nicklas Backstrom.
On the bright side, Charlie Lindgren has been a phenomenal goaltender for the Caps, with a 2.65 GAA and .910 save percentage across 28 games in the past two months.
New York Rangers game preview
(55-23-4, first in the Metropolitan Division)
The New York Rangers have consistently secured wins over the season as the roster has been at its best throughout the duration.
The side has only one defeat in their last three games which came at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers. Following the loss, the Rangers won two games and finished top of their table to ensure a comfortable position in the knockout stages.
New York Rangers key players and injuries
The New York Rangers head into their first playoff fixture without Blake Wheeler, Filip Chytil and Ben Harpur.
The Rangers have benefited from the good form of Artemi Panarin who has scored 49 goals with 71 assists this season so far. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin has posted a 2.20 GAA with a .930 save percentage in the past 23 games.
Will the first-ranked Rangers easily overcome their fourth-ranked opponents? Or will the Capitals' strong form allow them to advance to the next round? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
