The Rangers are happy to be entering the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's top seed and with amongst the most points in all of hockey, but Saturday's regular season finale wasn't quite what they likely had in mind when it comes to finishing on a strong note.
New York was routed by Washington 4-1, who was playing for its postseason seeding fate.
It took just 38 seconds for star winger Alex Ovechkin to open up the Capitals' scoring, and by the time the two teams headed for the first intermission, Washington had tripled its lead to 3-0.
Brian Boyle's 11th goal of the season wasn't nearly enough to kick start New York's comeback, and the Rangers fell short at home for just the 14th time this season.
Interestingly enough, these two teams could soon engage in best-of-seven playoff series, as Washington currently stands in a tie with Florida atop the Southeast Division standings with 92 points. If the Panthers are able to accumulate a point in their contest against the Hurricanes, however, the Capitals and Rangers will square off in round one of the NHL's playoffs, slated to begin next week.
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