Impact player After the Capitals failed to score on their first six power plays of the series, Alex Ovechkin fired a wrist shot past Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist on the man advantage at the 12:33 mark of the third period.
Under the radar
Caps rookie goalie Braden Holtby admitted Game 1 wasn’t his best night. He was much better Monday with 26 saves on 28 shots, including a monster save on a breakaway by Rangers forward Chris Kreider in the first period.
Did you notice …
How many times Caps defenseman Mike Green was drilled by a ferocious Rangers forecheck in the first period? It puts into question whether Green even will make it through the series unscathed. To his credit, Green steadied himself the rest of the game.
Behind the bench
After skating Alexander Semin on the fourth line at Sunday’s practice and during Monday’s morning skate, Caps coach Dale Hunter kept his explosive right wing on the second line with Nicklas Backstrom and Jason Chimera.
Rangers coach John Tortorella received good news when bruising third-line center Brian Boyle (concussion) returned to the lineup. He last played April 21 in Game 5 vs. Ottawa.
– Brian McNally
