Three New York Rangers Who Stood Out In Game Four Against The Capitals
First off, I want to apologize for not getting the standouts in for Game 3, as I was mainly covering the NFL Draft at the time. I am back for Game 4 for more coverage on the New York Rangers.
The New York Rangers did it. They swept the Washington Capitals, Kenny Omega style, and won Game 4 4-2. Was it a pretty performance for the New York Rangers? No. However, they at least got the job done and got the win. That is all that matters.
Many players stood out in this game, but 43 players stood out the most.
3. Adam Fox Toughens it Out and Stands Out
Man, Adam Fox is one tough person. I don't even know how he played after that bad hit/trip at the end of the first period. He still looked hurt for most of this game, but he was still the best defensive player on the ice for the Blueshirts.
Making key defensive plays all game and even made a huge assist during Artemi Panarin's goal that sealed the game for the New York Rangers. Hopefully, Fox gets 100% for whoever the Rangers play in Round 2.
2. Kaapo Kakko Immediately Makes An Impact
Coming into the season, I was nervous that Kaapo Kakko would never live up to his potential. He has been kind of, but he has been much better with Peter Laviolette as the head coach. That goal he immediately scored showcased that, and I have never been that shocked by a quick goal since Panarin scored that goal against the Islanders in the Stadium Series.
He immediately got the team off to a great start and set the tone for the team. I love this version of Kakko, and I hope to see it more during the rest of the playoffs.
1. The Breadman Clinches the Series for The Rangers
The Blueshirts' second period performance was disappointing, but the team got together in the third period. Panarin scored on a Power Play Goal in the third period, which all but sealed the Capitals' fate. He even got an assist on the Vincent Trocheck Power Play goal in the first period.
This was a really good performance by one of this team's main pillars. Let's see if he can keep this up for the rest of the playoffs.
Now, I want to talk about the Washington Capitals, who have been eliminated from the playoffs. I have to say I give them credit for even making the playoffs to begin with, as it looked like they were long shots at one point. This team also may have something with Spencer Carbery as the coach and some of the youth on this team.
However, we have to admit something: This team might need to say goodbye to two notable players during their cup run.
Time To Move On
The first that comes to mind is Alex Ovechkin. I can see Alex Ovechkin returning next season, but he's done. He did next to nothing during this entire series, and he has not looked great at all. He will likely continue to play until he breaks the goal-scoring record, but next season might be really sad to see a severe decline of a legend.
You know who else looks done: T.J. Oshie. It's clear that this man is still having back issues, and I wonder if he will ever be 100% again. Oshie's contract expires next season, but only time will tell if he will last the contract.
The Capitals will have some tough decisions to make this offseason, but at least they made the playoffs.
Ass for the Rangers, they get to play in the 2nd round and will have a big advantage with a ton of rest until they play their next game. Just another step closer for the Rangers to lift the cup again.
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