NEW YORK – Brad Richards was somewhat prophetic after the New York Rangers’ game one win over the Caps on Saturday.
Richards harkened back to the first round series with the Senators and reminded reporters that that series also started with a game one win for New York. But he compared the remainder of the series to “a war”. He was preparing fans and pundits alike for a protracted seven-game affair with Washington.
Richards did what he could to give the Rangers a 2-0 series lead but the Caps were having none of it.
Alex Ovechkin scored late in the third period to put the Caps ahead to stay, 3-2.
Washington had built a 2-0 lead in the first on goals from Mike Knuble and Jason Chimera. The Rangers were clearly on their heels throughout most of the first period as the Caps came out flying and using their size up front to dominate New York.
Late in the first, at 19:17, Richards finally beat Braden Holtby to get the Rangers back in the game.
A scoreless second period featured the Caps continuing to use speed and size to push the Rangers around and give them little opportunity to set up any quality scoring chances.
At 6:58 of the third New York captain Ryan Callahan converted passes from Richards and Michael Del Zotto to tie the score at two.
But Ovechkin used his strength and will to beat goalie Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers for the lead and the series tying win.
Game three is slated for Wednesday in Washington.
As Brad Richards predicted, “the war is on”.
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
