Game #15 Recap: Caps 5 Rangers 3

Battling back from three one-goal deficits the Capitals scored twice in the third period for a 5-3 win in New York. After giving up the first goal of the game, the Capitals resurgent power play evened the score at 1-1. Brooks Laich set up in front of the Ranger's goal and deftly deflected an Alex Semin pass into the net. Unfortunately, the tie was short lived as a bad turnover by Karl Alzner ended behind starting goalie Michael Nuevirth. In the second period, big John Erskine fired a slap shot past Ranger's goalie Henrik Lundqvist to tie the game at 2-2. On the ensuing shift the Rangers took the lead again with a 2-on-1 goal against. The Caps tied it up late in the third with Mike Knuble cleaning up the garbage after an Alex Ovechkin end-to-end rush ended with a big rebound in front of the New York net. Knuble buried the puck and tied the game at 3-3 going into the third. With a big effort behind the net Laich and Matt Bradley set up Matt Hendricks for a one timer that gave the Caps a 4-3 lead. With the goaltender pulled Laich finished the scoring with an empty net goal and a 5-3 win for Washington. The Capitals have a 5-game winning streak going and will meet Southeast Division rival Tampa on Thursday.

Of Note:

• Brooks Laich had 2 goals and an assist giving him 200 points in his NHL career. All his points coming in a Washington jersey. Laich becomes the 37th member of the Capitals to score 200 points with the team.
• Alex Ovechkin assisted on the first Laich goal and the Knuble marker giving him 272 assists with the Capitals and tying him with fellow countryman Sergei Gonchar for 11th Place on the Capitals All-Time Assist list.
• The Capitals power play went 1 for 4 on the evening and has gone 8 for 21 in the last 5 games. However, the penalty kill has dropped off a bit allowing 4 goals in 19 chances in those same 5 games.
• Mike Green had an interesting night. 2 assists, 2 hits, 1 blocked shot and a fight. Not Bad!
• Alexander Semin, Karl Alzner, and Tyker Sloan picked up 1 assist each.
• Micheal Nuevirth stopped 25 of the 28 shots he faced for his 9th win of the season. 

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary