Takeaways: Capitals Collapse On Big Night, Playoff Chances Take Blow In Loss To Rangers
The Capitals fell 8-1 to New York in a game that they needed to win.
The Washington Capitals had the opportunity to further turn the playoff race on its head and take another step on Sunday against the New York Rangers. Instead, the wheels fell off, and in turn, their chances at the postseason took a major hit. A second-period collapse and lack of coverage led to a disastrous 8-1 loss, and the Capitals are back where they started — and got no help on the outside scoreboard, either.
Here are the takeaways as D. C. sits three points out of Wild Card position and third in the Metropolitan Division.
Second-Period Collapse Sinks Capitals, Defense & Struggles As Lindgren Has Tough Night In Return To Crease The Capitals were in good shape entering the middle frame on Sunday, tied 1-1 after an impressive breakaway goal for Connor McMichael. However, they stepped off the gas and let New York take control, and it led to a five-goal period against. First, on a power play, J.
T. Miller got to the backdoor and deflected a save from Charlie Lindgren into the back of the net. Minutes later, Will Cuylle struck on a similar play, getting to the back post before redirecting another goal past Lindgren.