What a difference an assistant coach makes, eh? The Rangers have had solid defensive structure all year –with some blips, of course– and it was on full display this afternoon. The Rangers defense took away the Caps primary weapons by clogging passing lanes and getting sticks on shots. The end results was a 4-1 win, giving the Rangers two in a row.
Igor Shesterkin was solid in this one again, outdueling Vitek Vanacek at the other end. Shesty had to make a few solid saves, but the defense ensured it wasn’t that often. This is almost a complete-180 from last year’s Rangers.