Georgiev gets Rangers a point in shootout loss to Capitals

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The Rangers entered today’s contest following a loss on Friday night at The Garden. And had it not been for the play of Alexandar Georgiev, this one would’ve been over in regulation time as Georgiev stopped 37 of 39 Washington shots to get the game to a shootout.

Ryan Strome – The Rangers got off to a quick start as Ryan Strome produced the first goal of the game just 40 seconds into the opening frame. The Rangers forced a turnover behind the Capitals net and Chris Kreider got the puck to Strome in front for the early lead.

Strome has played well since being acquired from the Edmonton Oilers earlier this season, and he could be a key asset for the Rangers’ youngsters as the organization continues to rebuild.

Pavel Buchnevich – The Rangers tied the game thanks to the young Russian. After Tony DeAngelo’s point shot was saved by Holtby, Filip Chytil somehow got the puck to Buchnevich who put it behind the Capitals’ goaltender.

The goal was Buchnevich’s 13th of the season as he continues to refine his game under the tutelage of David Quinn.

Libor Hajek – Watching the 21-year-old defenseman today, you probably wouldn’t have been able to tell that it was just his second NHL game. Hajek looked comfortable in his own end, displayed some great edge work on his skates, and showed poise with the puck. He was unlucky on the first Washington goal, when he blocked the pass from former Ranger Carl Hagelin right back to the Swede who tied the game, but Hajek has gotten off to a good start in the Rangers sweater.

In addition, it was nice seeing David Quinn giving Hajek ice time late in the third period. It’s been well documented that David Quinn rewards players for their performance, and clearly Hajek has made quite the impression on the Rangers head coach in his 120 minutes of NHL experience.

Alexandar Georgiev – Had Georgiev not turned in a stellar performance, the Rangers would likely have been blown out by the Capitals. Georgiev made 37 stops, including 20 in the second period alone, to give his team a chance in this one. Though he did throw his stick at Ovechkin in the shootout which counted as the winning goal for Washington, it was a fantastic game for the Rangers netminder.

Next Game: The Rangers head to the Lone Star State on Tuesday night to take on the Dallas Stars. Puck drops at 8:30!

LETS GO RANGERS!!

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