Behind three first-period goals and the superb play of goaltender Braden Holtby, the Washington Capitals beat the New York Rangers 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.
The Caps got on the board quickly as Alex Ovechkin and Mathieu Perreault scored on the team's first two shot attempts against the Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. John Carlson 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 Carl Hagelin and Brandon Prust in the third period.
Washington finishes up the regular season with a record of (42-32-8) and 92 points, and will play the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, please head over to Japers' Rink. For a view from the other bench, be sure to visit Blueshirt Banter. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs approach
