It was a game the Capitals would not have won last month. Any one of the daggers the New York Rangers threw at them would have done in their fragile confidence.
There is still a long way to go for the Caps to get back in the Eastern Conference playoff race. But Wednesday night’s thrilling 5-4 overtime win at Verizon Center is the latest example of a team playing with a renewed sense of purpose.
Defenseman Mike Green scored the game-winner, lifting a feed from teammate Brooks Laich past Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist. That breakaway began when Rangers F Brendan Shanahan inexplicably fell while awaiting a pass inside his offensive zone.
“It was a big test for us,” said Green, who added two assists and now has the most goals of any defenseman in the NHL with eight. “For us to win this game really puts us even further as far as confidence and as far as a team.”
The Caps (12-17-2) remain in the basement in the Eastern Conference with 26 points. But they have won three in a row, four of five and are 6-3-1 since interim coach Bruce Boudreau took over for Glen Hanlon on Thanksgiving Day. More impressive, they have rallied in each of their last two wins. The Caps fell behind 1-0 Monday vs. New Jersey and 2-0 against the Rangers. It is the first time they have rallied from a two-goal deficit to win all season
“I’ve got to be on my toes sometimes with Greenie out there,” said Caps goalie Olie Kolzig. “But that’s the kind of player he is. He’s a very exciting, electric player and he’ll take some high-risk chances. But more times than not he’s going to make an unbelievable play.”
During their recent win streak, the Caps have received secondary scoring to take the pressure off star forward Alex Ovechkin, who tipped home a Green shot in the third period for his 22nd goal. Recent AHL call-up Joe Motzko scored twice and defenseman Jeff Schultz registered a goal for the third straight game. The Caps twice took a one-goal lead in the third period only to have the Rangers tie the game again.
“I’m just happy to get on the board any way I can,” Motzko said. “The first one’s great and then the second … it’s a special night for me.”
Fight Night
» Caps F Donald Brashear started night with a bang after an entertaining fight with Rangers enforcer Colton Orr in the game’s third minute. He also assisted on both goals by Joe Motzko.
» Rangers F Brendan Shanahan (goal, three assists) tied the game at 4 in the third period on a pass from D Michal Rozsival.
» The Caps have now won three straight home games for the first time all season.
