NYR 4 – WSH 2: It wasn’t Vesey, until the 2nd period that is

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Oct 22, 2016
Vesey takes down the Caps (AP/Nick Wass)

Vesey takes down the Caps (AP/Nick Wass)

What a comeback!

The NY Rangers beat the Caps in Washington after a shaky 1st period that saw them down 2-0. They got behind the 8-ball early when Adam Clendening made a bad clear attempt just before getting hit. That led to a turnover and a deflection goal. Alex Ovechkin would later abuse Marc Staal and beat Henrik Lundqvist with a wicked wrister. Than the second period started.

Giving Clendening Credit

As I wrote earlier today, Clendening has some weaknesses, such as getting knocked off the puck and turnovers. He also has some strengths like a great 1st pass out of the zone and that showed on Brandon Pirri‘s absolute perfect snipe to cut it down to 2-1. It was his first point as a Ranger.

Clendening also helped lead the PP breakout that tied the game, but didn’t get an assist. Credit where it’s due, he did a great job after a rocky 1st.

Vesey Rider

What’s not to love about this kid? Jimmy Vesey now has 3 goals in his first 5 NHL games, but his poise and confidence is what impresses me most. The rookie did in the Caps in the 2nd period scoring twice and his second was better than his first.

Vesey PPG

Vesey GWG

I can’t say enough about the kid taking the puck and driving the net for the game winner.

Henrik Looked Great in the 2nd and 3rd

There wasn’t much Henrik could do on the 1st goal, but even though Ovechkin made a great move on Staal, I felt he could have stopped it.

The King stopped all 18 shots he faced in the last two periods, including this gem on Ovi.

It was undoubtedly Henrik’s best game of the year.

Snap Shots

Rick Nash sealed the deal with the empty netter but was strong on the puck all night.

The Rangers handed the Capitals their 1st regulation loss of the season and first goal against in the 3rd period.

If Girardi plays, it is possible Nick Holden or Brady Skjei sits.

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