The New York Rangers are down 2-1 after the first period of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Washington Capitals. Both teams have done a nice job putting pressure on the goaltenders. Henrik Lundqvist has faced 12 shots on the night to 10 for Braden Holtby.
A big mistake by Lundqvist is so far the difference in the game. After the Rangers failed to score on a Chris Kreider breakaway, the Capitals quickly turned around the puck to the other end of the ice. Lundqvist, perhaps anticipating a line change, came out to play the puck behind the net, but Jay Beagle met him there and was able to send the puck in front of the net. Matt Hendricks passed the puck backwards between his legs, and Jason Chimera got credited with the tip-in goal though replay shows that the puck actually went off the skate of Ryan McDonagh.
The Rangers caught the Capitals napping themselves just two minutes later. Brad Richards score on a tip-in one time assisted by Marian Gaborik. Unfortunately, the goal only put them back within striking distance heading into the second period.
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