Brent Johnson makes poke check save on Chris Drury penalty shot.
Photo from Associated Press
Photo from Associated Press
Rangers 1 - Capitals 3
Brent Johnson was absolutely brilliant in goal for the Washington Capitals again, as they outplayed the top team in the NHL's Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers.
It was the first start against the Rangers that Johnson has had since joining the team. Starts against New York had always been the job of former teammate, Olie Kolzig. The Caps scored two video reviewed goals in the first period of this hard fought game. Brooks Laich was given credit for the first, after the puck was knocked in following an odd bounce over the head Rangers' netminder Henrick Lundqvist. Just as odd as the bounce for Washington, was the fact that it came on the power play. Tom Poti scored the second goal off a Boyd Gordon rebound while following up the play. The review showed the goal had moved by being pushed by Lundqvist's right skate, and it never fully came off the peg.
Both goalies played well throughout the game. It wasn't until 6:47 in the third period that the Rangers got a goal, when Aaron Voros deflected the puck in. Brent Johnson easily poke checked away a penalty shot by Chris Drury later in the period. The final goal of the game was again scored by Alexander Semin. It was an empty netter, shot from a defensive zone face off circle. It went in with a mere 5.2 seconds left on the clock. He amazes in just about every game this season.
Other than the three goals, the Caps beat the Rangers with relentless forechecking, solid defense, and a #1 worthy netminder. They'll need to supply the same weapons Monday night, if they are going to defeat their old friend Olie Kolzig, who is scheduled to start for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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