The New York Rangers visit the Washington Capitals on Monday to decide who will advance to the next round, and who will go home.
A single goal by the New York Rangers in Game 6 pushed the series to a Game 7 on Monday night. The resiliency of the Rangers, who started the series down 0-2, showed on Sunday when they scored the only goal of the game, winning 1-0. Now the Rangers hope to advance to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a Game 7 win at the Verizon Center.
"We are just going to have the same mentality we had coming into this game," Rangers' Derick Brassard said on Sunday. "We just played our game, had fun. The guys were relaxed, and that's what we need to do (Monday)."
Last year's Eastern Conference semifinals between the Rangers and Capitals went to a decisive Game 7. The Rangers prevailed, 2-1. This year, though, the Rangers must win Game 7 on the road.
"They play really well at home and they're confident," Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist said. "The games we've played in that building, special teams have played a big part. We played a really disciplined game, and that's going to be key for us because they have a really good power, so you have to respect that."
The Capitals will rally behind goalie Braden Holtby, who has won five straight games at home against New York. If Holtby can limit New York's scores, the load will fall onto Washington captain Alexander Ovechkin and the offense to win the game.
New York neutralized Ovechkin on Sunday and kept him scoreless for the fourth straight game. Washington does have history on their side, however, as the Rangers are 0-5 in Game 7s on the road, according to the Associated Press.
Game 7 between the Capitals and Rangers starts at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
You can watch the live stream HERE.
