Rangers look to make it two wins in row as they take on the Capitals this afternoon

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OVECHKIN CONTRACT
Feb 4, 2021; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) misses a first period opportunity against New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers vs Capitals: The Rangers are hoping K’Andre Miller will be a go for today’s matinee against the Capitals. They are coming off a 3-2 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers and would like to start a little winning streak to climb back into the playoff picture.

Rangers: 5-7-3 (13 pts)
Capitals: 8-4-3 (19 pts)

(12:30 p.m. ET – TV: MSG Network, Radio: ESPN 98.7 FM)

Rangers vs Capitals: Igor Shesterkin gets the start

The last time Igor Shesterkin faced the Capitals he be put on a solid performance. “I think this might have been my best game of the season so far,” he said after beating Washington. He made 31 saves in his only career appearance against the Capitals.

The 25 year-old backstop was on the ball that night and it took a fluky goal by Carl Hagelin to break the shutout. An Alex Ovechkin snipe was the other goal, but Shesterkin ultimately won the battle and the Rangers prevailed 4-2.

Per NYR PR: Igor Shesterkin has allowed two goals or fewer in five of his last six appearances, posting a 2.02 GAA and a .933 SV% over the span, and he has posted a .930 SV% or better in four of his last five appearances.

K’Andre Miller’s availability to be determined prior to the game

kandre miller
Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers impressive rookie, K’Andre Miller may still be out with an upper body injury today. If he can’t go, David Quinn will continue to go with Jack Johnson in his place.

So far on the season the Blueshirts have lost 34 man-games due to injury.

  • Filip Chytil (upper-body; 4-6 weeks from time of injury on Jan. 24) – has missed 10 games
  • K’Andre Miller (upper-body; day-to-day) – has missed two games
  • Jacob Trouba (upper-body; 4-6 weeks from time of injury on Feb. 16) – has 

Three Rangers to watch

  • Kaapo Kakko enters the contest with a three-game assist/point streak against Washington.
  • Pavel Buchnevich enters the contest with a five-game point streak against Washington (four goals, three assists).
  • Adam Fox enters the contest with a three-game assist/point streak against Washington.

Pre Game Notes

  • All-Time vs Capitals: 100-97-18-11 (56-44-9-5 at home; 44-53-9-6 on the road)
  • The Blueshirts enter the contest with a three-game winning streak against the Capitals.
  • The Rangers rank second in the NHL in shots on goal per game in 2020-21 (32.1) and have recorded 30 or more shots on goal in 11 of the last 14 games. The Rangers have allowed 28.5 shots on goal against per game this season, which is the 11th-fewest in the NHL. 
  • The Blueshirts are tied for second in the NHL in takeaways this season (122) and lead the NHL in takeaways per 60 minutes of ice time in 2020-21 (7.99).
  • The Blueshirts have killed off 30 of their opponents’ 32 power play opportunities over the last nine games (93.8%).
  • New York ranks ninth in the NHL in penalty kill efficiency this season (84.6%).

Notes courtesy of the NYR

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By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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