Familiar issues haunt Capitals in blowout loss to Rangers

Familiar issues haunt Capitals in blowout loss to Rangers originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

WASHINGTON -- The Washington Capitals took the ice for warmups on Sunday in cherry blossom-themed jerseys, but the sweaters inspired by D.C.'s annual tradition representing the freshness of spring did not translate to any blossoming for the home side.

For the second time in as many games, the Capitals fell into an early hole that they were unable to climb out of, falling to the New York Rangers, 5-2, at Capital One Arena.

After a largely uneventful opening 10-plus minutes to begin the game, Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller opened the scoring with 6:43 remaining in the first period, beating Darcy Kuemper on a rebound after the Capitals goaltender saved Vincent Trocheck's original scoring attempt.

New York doubled its lead almost exactly two minutes later courtesy of Alexis Lafreniere, who scored on a backhand following a flashy tangle of the puck between his legs to get past Rasmus Sandin in open ice.

The Rangers' hot start carried over into the second period, too. Kaapo Kakko extended New York's lead to three just one minute into the frame by beating Kuemper from the low slot on a feed from behind the net. Kakko's shot deflected off Martin Fehervary's skate, leaving Kuemper in a difficult position to try and stop the puck.

The Capitals were finally able to gain so momentum midway through the second period, drawing a pair of penalties within one minute of another to set up a 5-on-3 chance for 47 seconds. Washington's offensive issues continued, however, as they registered just two shots on Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin during the advantage.

Washington was finally able to put one past Shesterkin later in the frame after Dylan Strome banked the puck off Shesterkin's right pad and into the net. Strome's goal was the second in as many games for the Capitals that have come via bank shots off the opposing goaltender from behind the red line.

Just before the second period ended, Capitals defenseman Matt Irwin and Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey dropped the gloves. Irwin was the victor of the scrap, perhaps hoping to inject some life into his team before the final period.

The Capitals had multiple excellent chances to cut the Rangers' lead to one just under the 16-minute mark in the third period, but Shesterkin stopped attempts from both Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin in the crease before New York's defense was able to clear the puck away. The Rangers were able to extend their lead back to three just two minutes later after Vladimir Tarasenko sniped the puck into the top corner from the left circle past Kuemper.

Washington was eventually able to beat Shesterkin again just before the eight-minute mark after Aliaksei Protas elevated one past the Rangers goaltender following an array of chances by multiple Capitals players in front of the net.

Yet, any last-hope momentum was halted shortly after when Conor Sheary was sent to the penalty box for an interference penalty. Just as the Capitals were about to complete the penalty kill, Mika Zibanejad beat Kuemper on a rebound for the Rangers' fifth goal of the game.

Frustration from the Capitals end was evident towards the end of the third period. Ovechkin was issued a double-minor 10-minute game misconduct after voicing his displeasure towards Rangers forward Barclay Goodrow. Tom Wilson and Goodrow ended up fighting simultaneously as Martin Fehervary and Niko Mikkola dropped the gloves. All five players were sent to the locker room early.

New York was the more dominant team for the entire 60 minutes. The Rangers finished the game with an 34-28 shot on goal advantage and won 59% of faceoffs. The loss was Washington's fourth in a row and their seventh defeat in eight games.

Injuries have plagued the Capitals all season and it was no different on Sunday. Regulars T.J. Oshie (upper body) and Trevor van Riemsdyk (upper body) were both sidelined for the game, while backup goaltender Charlie Lindgren was absent due to an illness. Sonny Milano (upper body) did return for Washington after missing multiple games with an upper-body injury.

Sunday's game was the fourth and final matchup between the Capitals and Rangers this season. Washington won the first two matchups of the year, but New York left each of the final two contests with multi-goal victories.