Rangers 6, Capitals 0

Washington, DC (Sports Network) – Henrik Lundqvist stopped 35 shots for his league-leading eighth shutout of the season as the New York Rangers dominated the Washington Capitals, 6-0, at Verizon Center.

Erik Christensen provided two goals and two assists, while Vinny Prospal, Brian Boyle and Derek Stepan each had a goal and an assist for the Rangers, who have won their past two games.

Michal Neuvirth was touched for all six goals on 28 shots for the Capitals, who had won three of four coming in.

The Rangers got the only goal they needed just 5:56 into the game when a blast from Steve Eminger at the right point sailed past Neuvirth.

Christensen got his first goal of the game with 5:13 to play in the first when he had an easy tap-in from the low slot off a pass from Michael Sauer.

A power-play goal from Christensen, who scored on a one-timer from the right circle off a no-look feed from Ryan Callahan, made it 3-0 just over four minutes into the second and Stepan scored on the advantage with 2:08 to play in the second.

Prospal’s goal 6:16 into the third and Boyle’s goal in the final minute accounted for the final score.

New York hosts Tampa Bay on Sunday…Washington plays at the Islanders on Saturday…The Rangers took three of the four games with the Capitals this season…Rangers left wing Ruslan Fedotenko left the game with an undisclosed injury. He was back in the lineup for the first time since Jan. 19 as he missed time with a separated shoulder followed by an appendectomy…Lundqvist has 32 shutouts in his career.

New York Rangers At Washington Capitals: Rangers Need To Build On Big Win Over Hurricanes

It might not have been pretty, but the Rangers thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes was a huge win. The two points helped propel the Rangers into a three-point cushion over Carolina, and maintained their six point cushion over Buffalo (although the Sabres have three games in hand). 

Tonight the Rangers will face a very tough test in the Washington Capitals, at the Verizon Center. The Rangers are six points behind the Capitals, but Washington has one game in hand.

A win tonight, would go a long way in helping the Rangers continue their playoff surge.  

The Rangers will go for that win without Marc Staal tonight, he's still out from a twisted ankle he sustained against the Capitals. 

No Marc Staal tonight, he's still out from a twisted ankle he sustained against the Capitals. This is what Staal had to say via Andrew Gross:

"It just wasn't where Rammer (trainer Jim Ramsey) liked it so we decided to take it off," said Staal, who rode a stationary bike and walked with a slight limp. "It's more of a day to day thing. Jim didn't want to risk hurting it more unnecessarily if I'm not ready to go."    

The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, so keep an eye out for any players being "showcased" by their respective teams. It will also be interesting to see the evaluation process that John Tortorella goes through over the next few days. 

Notes: 

• The Rangers will be watching the scoreboard tonight, with the New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and Hurricanes playing tonight the Rangers have a chance to gain ground on four different teams (if they can beat the Capitals). 
• On the other hand, the Rangers will have Ruslan Fedotenko return to the lineup. 
• Henrik Lundqvist will get the start tonight. If he can get the win it will be his 25th of the year.