Rangers searching for answers, offense after Capitals push them to brink
The New York Rangers find themselves on the brink of elimination, and the players are frustrated.
The Rangers trail the Washington Capitals 3-1 in their best-of-seven second-round series after a 2-1 loss in Game 4 on Wednesday.
"Offensively, we’re fighting it,” Rangers center Derek Stepan told reporters after the game.
“We haven’t done it all year and, right now, we’re fighting it. They’re doing a lot of good things defensively and they’re blocking shots and when we’re getting our looks, (Capitals goaltender Braden) Holtby’s making saves. It’s certainly frustrating.”
The Rangers scored 11 goals in their five-game series victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, winning four contests by a 2-1 margin. New York has mustered only five goals in four games against the Capitals.
"It feels like they have an answer for everything," forward Derick Brassard said.
Teammate Carl Hagelin said it's disappointing to come out on the losing end of so many tight contests.
"You go in and you’re playing a really good team and you know it’s going to be a close game and, again, it’s a one-goal game,”
The Rangers are one game away from being eliminated after posting the NHL's best record in the regular season.
New York has played 11 straight playoff games decided by one goal, a league record dating back to last season.
Game 5 is Friday night at Madison Square Garden.