Ryan Callahan is on a roll. Unfortunately for the Washington Capitals, they are just in the way.
Callahan's fifth goal in his last two-plus games has given the New York Rangers a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
Coming off his second career hat trick Saturday, Callahan scored his fourth goal in his last four periods of play at 11:01. Anton Starlman sent a hard pass from the point to Callahan, who was positioned in front of the crease. Callahan was then able to corral the puck with his skate before sending a backhand past Michal Neuvirth for his 22nd goal of the season. Callahan is one goal away from tying a career-high and he almost got it, but he hit the post late in the period.
Interestingly enough, Neuvirth was not expected to start Sunday. Tomas Vokoun led Washington onto the ice, but did not play.
The Caps have had their chances as well, putting seven shots on Henrik Lundqvist. John Erskine had the best chance early in the period when his deflected shot beat Lundqvist, but hit the outside of the post.