The Rangers finally found out that the Capitals could be their first spherical playoff opponent after the Caps’ 2-1 win over the Flyers on Tuesday night.
It introduced an extended-awaited answer to one of the maximum extensive open races for the final wild-card spot in the latest reminiscence.
The Capitals entered the very last mins of Tuesday’s clash tied 1-1, but T.J. Oshie’s empty-internet aim, because the Flyers might be eliminated from rivalry if they allow the Capitals to reach extra time, with three minutes left in the sport secured Washington’s postseason berth.
Rangers and Capitals Renew Playoff Rivalry
So it’s the Forces and Capitals walking it again within the playoffs for today’s chapter in their rivalry.
The Rangers recorded a 2-2-0 record against the Capitals this season, although the purpose distinction within the 4 matchups turned into even at nine-9.
Washington overcame a six-game dropping streak near the cease of the season by way of winning four of its last five video games to seize the ultimate playoff spot.
From 2014 to 2015, the teams finally matched in the postseason, when the Rangers beat the Capitals in 7 online video games in the 2nd spherical for the very first then falling to the Lightning in the convention finals.
Before that, the Forces eliminated the Capitals in seven video games in the first spherical of the 2012-13 playoffs.
So in recent postseason history, the higher hand is going to the Army.
The Capitals, of course, nevertheless roster controversial ahead Tom Wilson, who has lengthy been an Army antagonist.
During a May three, 2021 conflict among the groups, Wilson cross-checked former Rangers ahead Pavel Buchnevich in the back of the top.
When Artemi Panarin sooner or later went at Wilson for the hit, Wilson slammed the helmet-much less Panarin onto the ice, knocking him out for the relaxation of the season.
But the NHL most effectively gave Wilson a $5,000 pleasant and didn’t droop him, which prompted the Forces to trouble one of the most powerful statements in franchise records, in which they referred to NHL head of participant protection George Parros as being fired.
Rangers Express Discontent Over NHL’s Handling of Tom Wilson Incident
The Rangers said inside the statement. “Wilson is a repeat offender with a long record of those forms of acts and we find it stunning that the NHL and their branch of player safety didn’t take the perfect movement and drop him indefinitely. Wilson’s dangerous and reckless movements triggered an injury to Artemi Panarin to save him from playing once more this season. We view this as a dereliction of duty through NHL head of player safety, George Parros, and trust he’s unfit to keep in his modern position.”
The Forces were subsequently fined $250,000 using the league for the announcement.
Now, the awful blood will simply be rejuvenated.
Beyond the animosity with Wilson, the Army produce other connections to the Capitals.
Head coach Peter Laviolette coached the Capitals for three seasons from 2020-23 earlier than the crew fired him and he in the end familiar with the Forces job.
And Ryan Lindgren’s brother is working in the Army as a defenseman, Charlie, is the leading starting goalie.
So, these teams clearly understand every other. And there are lots of records between the franchises.
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