East Division Update - March 19th

There was only one game in the East last night, which included a matchup between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. My analysis of this game below.

(Image Credits: Blue Line Station)

RANGERS @ CAPITALS

The Caps came into this game in D.C. last night riding a six-game winning streak, looking to make it seven. The Rangers were starting to find their offensive groove, and have been playing much better hockey as of late. They were coming off a loss to the Bruins at home 4-1, despite playing that better team game. These two always leave it all out there, and this game was no different. The Rangers started on time, and Washington did not. The Capitals played poorly almost the entire 60 minutes, but only trailed 1-0 thanks to Vitec Vanaceks' work in the net for Washington, making 32 saves. The Rangers were able to build the lead off a goal from Artemi Panarin on the powerplay, who has been hot since his return back to the lineup. There is one player that Washington will turn to when struggling to lead the way, and that player is Alexander Ovechkin. He once again proved why he is the captain of this team, scoring two critical goals in the late stages of the third period to secure the win for the Capitals. Washington has now won seven straight games and is now at the top of the East division standings. Ovechkin is now on a five-game goal streak, as he continues to chase Wayne Gretzky's record for the greatest goal scorer of all time.

Scoring:

Capitals: Alex Ovechkin (13,14).

Rangers: Artemi Panarin (8-PPG).

Standings Update After Tonight:

1. Washington

2. NY Islanders

3. Pittsburgh

4. Boston

5. Philidelphia

6. NY Rangers

7. New Jersey

8. Buffalo