SB Nation DC - Capitals Finish Regular Season Strong, Defeat Rangers 4-1 https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48897/dc-fave.png2012-04-07T23:04:07-04:00http://dc.sbnation.com/rss/stream/26962642012-04-07T23:04:07-04:002012-04-07T23:04:07-04:00Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: Capitals To Face Boston Bruins In Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
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<p>It came down to the last game of the regular season, but the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Capitals</a> finally know who they will be matched up against in the NHL's Eastern Conference quarterfinals. By virtue of their 4-1 win over the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Rangers</a> on Saturday night coupled with Florida's win over Carolina, the Capitals earned the No. 7 seed and will face the <a href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Bruins</a> in a first round battle.</p>
<p>Washington will have to travel to Boston to open the playoffs. The Bruins, the defending Stanley Cup Champions, finished the season with a record of 49-29-4, good for 102 points and first place in the NHL's Northeast Division. The Caps came up just short in the Southeast Division, closing with 92 points and finishing in second place with a 42-32-8 record.</p>
<p>The Capitals took three out the four regular season meetings against the Bruins, including a 3-2 shootout win in Boston during their last meeting on March 29th.</p>
<p><i>For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/"><b>Japers' Rink</b></a>. You can also head over to the <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/2012/nhl"><b>SB Nation NHL hub</b></a> page for more on hockey news as the playoffs approach</i></p>
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https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-capitals/2012/4/7/2933478/capitals-bruins-stanley-cup-playoffs-2012-first-round-eastern-conferencePaul Ciullo2012-04-07T21:48:08-04:002012-04-07T21:48:08-04:00Capitals Vs. Rangers Final Score Update: Washington Wins 4-1
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<p>Behind three first-period goals and the superb play of goaltender <span>Braden Holtby</span>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a> by a score of 4-1. Led by Holtby, who made 35 saves, the Capitals ruined New York's dream of clinching the Presidents' Trophy.</p>
<p>The Caps got on the board quickly as <span>Alex Ovechkin</span> and <span>Mathieu Perreault</span> scored on the team's first two shot attempts against the Rangers goalie <span>Henrik Lundqvist</span>. <span>John Carlson</span> extended the lead to 3-0 late in the first period, and Nicklas Backstorm's goal early in the second completed the scoring for Washington. The story of the game though for the Caps was the play of Holtby, who made 35 saves including a pair of breakaway saves on <span>Carl Hagelin</span> and <span>Brandon Prust</span> in the third period.</p>
<p>Washington finishes up the regular season with a record of (42-32-8) and 92 points, and will play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Boston Bruins</a> in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.</p>
<p><i>For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/"><b>Japers' Rink</b></a>. For a view from the other bench, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Blueshirt Banter</a>. You can also head over to the <a href="http://dc.sbnation.com/2012/nhl"><b>SB Nation NHL hub</b></a> page for more on hockey news as the playoffs approach</i></p>
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https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-capitals/2012/4/7/2933416/capitals-vs-rangers-final-score-update-washington-wins-4-1Paul Ciullo2012-04-07T20:23:27-04:002012-04-07T20:23:27-04:00Capitals Vs. Rangers Score Update: Washington Leads 4-1 After Second Period
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<p>Already leading 3-0 after one period of play, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> have extended their lead over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a> to 4-1 as the teams head into the second intermission.</p>
<p>Just a little under six minutes into the second period, <span>Nicklas Backstrom</span> scored to give the Caps a 4-0 advantage. Backstrom's 14th goal of the year was assisted by <span>Alexander Semin</span> and Roman Hamrlk. The always dangerous Rangers got in the board later in the period as a result of <span>Brian Boyle's</span> 11th goal of the year. Boyle's shot past <span>Braden Holtby</span> was assisted by <span>Stu Bickel</span> and <span>Brandon Dubinsky</span>.</p>
<p>With one period left to play, the Capitals leading despite the Rangers are holding a great advantage over them in regards to shots on goal. Branden Hotlby has managed to stop 23 of the 24 shots directed at him, giving the Capitals a much needed boost. Holtby will try and shut down the Rangers for more one period and give the Capitals some momentum with the playoffs approaching,</p>
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<p><i>For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/"><b>Japers' Rink</b></a>. For a view from the other bench, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Blueshirt Banter</a>. You can also head over to the <a href="../../../nhl"><b>SB Nation NHL hub</b></a> page for more on hockey news as the playoffs approach</i></p>
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https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/4/7/2933294/capitals-vs-rangers-score-updatePaul Ciullo2012-04-07T19:17:25-04:002012-04-07T19:17:25-04:00Capitals Vs. Rangers Score Update: Washington Leads 3-0 After First Period
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> are trying to finish up their regular season on a two-game winning streak and are well on their way through the first period of play against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a>. The Caps broke the 0-0 tie first with an <span>Alex Ovechkin</span> goal, assisted by <span>Brooks Laich</span> to give the Caps the early lead.</p>
<p>The Caps weren't done though in the first period, as <span>Mathieu Perreault</span> picked up a goal to give Washington a 2-0 lead over the Rangers. Towards the end of the first period, <span>Ryan McDonagh</span> picked up a delay of game penalty, giving the Caps a powerplay opportunity and they took advantage. <span>John Carlson</span> picked up a powerplay goal, giving the Caps a 3-0 lead as they head into the locker room to get ready for the second period.</p>
<p><i>For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/"><b>Japers' Rink</b></a>. For a view from the other bench, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Blueshirt Banter</a>. You can also head over to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl"><b>SB Nation NHL hub</b></a> page for more on hockey news as the playoffs approach.</i></p>
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https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/4/7/2933163/capitals-vs-rangers-score-update-alex-ovechkin-john-carlsonAlfie Crow2012-04-07T11:26:02-04:002012-04-07T11:26:02-04:00Capitals Vs. Rangers: Game Time, TV Schedule And More
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<p>The Washington <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Capitals</a>, fresh off of finally securing a playoff spot, travel to New York on Saturday to face the <a href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Rangers</a>, who may very well be their opponent when the Eastern Conference playoffs begin.</p>
<p>Washington can still finish in three possible playoff positions (third, seventh, eight) depending on the outcome of their matchup with the Rangers and the results of the Florida and Ottawa games. The Capitals will remain the eighth seed with a loss to New York, but a Washington win and Florida regulation loss would hand the Caps the Southeast Division title for the fifth consecutive year and the No. 3 seed.</p>
<p>The Capitals might have serious goaltending issues to deal with come playoff time, as <span>Braden Holtby</span> and recent call-up <span>Dany Sabourin</span> are the only healthy options between the pipes currently for Washington.</p>
<p>Here is what you need to know for tonight's contest:</p>
<p><b>Gameday/Time:</b> Saturday, April 7, 6:30 p.m. ET</p>
<p><b>Location:</b> Madison Square Garden, New York, NY</p>
<p><b>Television coverage:</b> NBC Sports Network</p>
<p><i>For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/"><b>Japers' Rink</b></a>. For a view from the other bench, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Blueshirt Banter</a>. You can also head over to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl"><b>SB Nation NHL hub</b></a> page for more on hockey news as the playoffs approach.</i></p>
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https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/4/7/2932258/capitals-vs-rangers-game-time-tv-schedule-and-moreT.J. Doyle2012-04-07T09:56:06-04:002012-04-07T09:56:06-04:00Capitals Vs. Rangers: Washington Faces New York In Possible Playoff Preview
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<p>The Washington <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Capitals</a> (41-32-8, 90 points) travel to Madison Square Garden on Saturday to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">New York Rangers</a> (51-23-7, 109 points) in a regular season finale that could serve as a possible Eastern Conference playoff preview.</p>
<p>The Capitals finally clinched a berth in this year's playoffs with a 4-2 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Florida Panthers</a> on Thursday night. The Washington win coupled with a Buffalo loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> eliminated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Sabres</a> from the playoffs and secured a berth for Washington. It was the Capitals third win in four games.</p>
<p>Washington would remain the eighth seed in the playoffs with a loss Saturday to New York. However, a Capitals win and a Florida regulation loss would hand Washington the Southeast Division title for the fifth consecutive year and the No. 3 seed entering the postseason. The Capitals could also jump into seventh place if they win and Ottawa was to lose in regulation to New Jersey.</p>
<p>The Rangers have wrapped up home-ice advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. A New York win would assure the Rangers their first Presidents' Trophy since the 1993-94 Stanley Cup championship team.</p>
<p>The puck will drop at 6:30 p.m. ET, and can be seen on NBC Sports Network.</p>
<p><i>For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/"><b>Japers' Rink</b></a>. For a view from the other bench, be sure to visit <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Blueshirt Banter</a>. You can also head over to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl"><b>SB Nation NHL hub</b></a> page for more on hockey news as the playoffs approach.</i></p>
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https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/4/7/2932226/capitals-vs-rangers-game-previewT.J. Doyle2012-04-07T08:00:36-04:002012-04-07T08:00:36-04:00Capitals Vs. Rangers: Washington Recalls Goalie Dany Sabourin From Hershey
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<img alt="BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 29: Dany Sabourin #35 of the Washington Capitals stops a shot by Mark Recchi #28 of the Boston Bruins during the second period on September 29 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iEiQ5poEXhXivwBJq106uqb5gUA=/0x17:600x417/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1234531/GYI0061859478.jpg" />
<figcaption>BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 29: Dany Sabourin #35 of the Washington Capitals stops a shot by Mark Recchi #28 of the Boston Bruins during the second period on September 29 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Prompted by Michal Neuvirth's left leg injury, goaltender Dany Sabourin was recalled from Hershey to serve as a back-up in the Capitals' season finale against the New York Rangers on Saturday.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> will recall goaltender <span>Dany Sabourin</span> from Hershey, according to reports. Sabourin apparently had his Caps' bag packed and was waiting for transportation from Hershey to New York, where the Caps will finish the season on Saturday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a>.</p>
<p>Via <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/kcarrera/status/188450882990522368" target="_blank">Tim Leone of The Harrisburg Patriot-News</a>:</p>
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<p>RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/timleone">timleone</a>: Sabourin had his red Washington bag and confirmed he's being recalled by <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Caps">#Caps</a>. Limo waiting by Hershey bus to take him to NY.</p>
— Katie Carrera (@kcarrera) <a data-datetime="2012-04-07T02:19:26+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/kcarrera/status/188450882990522368">April 7, 2012</a>
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<p>Sabourin has not played in an NHL game since 2009, but will serve as a backup to <span>Braden Holtby</span> in Saturday's season finale. The call-up is necessitated by <span>Michal Neuvirth's</span> injury, which happened in the second period of Thursday night's playoff-clinching win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.litterboxcats.com/">Florida Panthers</a>. Neuvirth was scheduled to see a doctor on Friday about his injured left leg, but he's still being called day-to-day. With Neuvirth's status still uncertain, Sabourin is just filling in on Saturday for now and has not been told he's playoff backup yet.</p>
<p><i>For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/">Japers' Rink</a>. You can also head over to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl">SB Nation NHL hub</a> page for more on hockey news as the playoffs approach.</i></p>
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https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/4/7/2931695/capitals-vs-rangers-dany-sabourin-michal-neuvirth-injuryBrendan Porath