The Washington Capitals were facing elimination in their Game 6 against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night, but they came out strong early and held on late, earning a trip back to Madison Square Garden for a deciding Game 7. Game 5 turned on Joel Ward's late double penalty, and the Caps picked up another four minute penalty in Game 6, but the Caps killed it off, and Japers' Rink took note.
Only a few days ago, it was the Caps' inability to kill a double-minor late in Game 5 that cost them the lead and ultimately the game, surrendering two goals to fall into a 3-2 series hole. So if seeing a Cap go to the box for another four minutes tonight made your heart beat a little faster, you likely weren't alone. This time, however, the Caps made no mistake, killing first one and then the other penalty in dutiful fashion, bringing the Verizon Center crowd to its feet in appreciation of a job well done.
The Capitals now have to win a Game 7 on the road, something that is incredibly difficult to do. But the Capitals showed they have the ability to do just that when they knocked off the defending champion Bruins in a similar situation in Round 1.
Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates throughout the Capitals and Rangers Eastern Conference semifinal series. For more news and analysis on the Caps, visit Japers’ Rink. For news and info from a Rangers perspective during the series, visit Blueshirt Banter. And for all your news on the NHL Playoffs, check out SB Nation’s NHL hub.