Washington, D.C. – The Capitals secured a 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Friday night, snapping the Rangers’ four‑game winning streak and improving the home team’s record to three wins in its first four games.
Key moments
Boone Jenner broke the deadlock late in the second period, scoring the go‑ahead goal that proved decisive. Timothy Liljegren added a second goal for the Capitals, while Tom Wilson capped the scoring with an empty‑netter in the third period.
Washington’s netminder Logan Thompson made 22 saves, helping the Capitals maintain a strong defensive showing.
Shesterkin injury
Rangers’ goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who entered the game with a 3‑1‑0 record, a 1.75 goals‑against average and a .926 save percentage this season, suffered a lower‑body injury with 11:40 left in the second period. He appeared to jam his right skate into the goalpost while sliding into position for a save. After remaining on the ice for several minutes, teammates helped him to the bench.
Backup goaltender Dylan Garand replaced Shesterkin and stopped 11 of 12 shots, but the Rangers were unable to generate enough offense to overcome the early deficit.
Other NHL action
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets edged the Penguins 3‑2 in a shootout. Kent Johnson scored the decisive shootout goal, and Cam Talbot recorded his first win of the season.
Columbus defenseman Damon Severson contributed a goal and an assist in his season debut, while Mathieu Olivier and Cole Sillinger added to the scoring.
Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5‑1. Judd Caulfield, Tim Washe and Mikael Granlund each posted a goal and an assist. Sam Colangelo and Nikita Nesterenko also found the net, and Jeff Malott and Beckett Sennecke supplied two assists each.
In Detroit, the Kraken rallied to beat the Red Wings 6‑3. Frederick Gaudreau scored two second‑period goals, and Ben Meyers added a goal and two assists. Seattle’s goaltender Philipp Grubauer made 37 saves, while Detroit’s William Wallinder and Michael Brandsegg‑Nygard recorded their first NHL goals.
Looking ahead
The Capitals will aim to build on this win as they continue their early‑season push. The Rangers, meanwhile, will look to recover Shesterkin’s health and regain momentum after the loss.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
