Blue Preview - Game #6 New York Rangers @ Washington Capitals

The slightly new-look Rangers head back to the ice tonight as part of the NBC Sports Network's "Rivalry Night" as they take on the Washington Capitals.  The puck drops at 8:00 PM EST.

"Rivalry Night" is appropriate as the Rangers and Capitals have met each other in the playoffs four of the last five years.  These two teams are certainly no strangers to each other, and usually play a spirited, entertaining brand of hockey against each other.

The Capitals come in to tonight with a record of 2-4-0, two points ahead of the Rangers who are 1-4-0.  The Caps recipe for success hasn't changed much over the years, and here are the reasons why:


WHO TO WATCH

ALEX OVECHKIN - FORWARD.  The Great 8 is at it again, leading the Capitals with 6 goals and 9 points.  He has never met a shot he didn't like, so look to him to have at least 10 shots on goal.  He also seems to really like to play physical against the Rangers, and will look to do so at home to get the crowd into it.

NICKLAS BACKSTROM - FORWARD.  Ovechkin can't pass the puck to himself, so look for Backstrom to feed the beast.  The Swede leads the team with 7 assists, but can also score if left alone in scoring areas.

MIKE GREEN - DEFENSE.  Green is the quarterback for a very scary Power Play and has torched the Rangers many times in the past.  He isn't very good defensively, so look for the Rangers to exploit him in his own end of the ice.

BRADEN HOLTBY - GOALTENDER.  The Rangers have beaten Holtby in the playoffs each of the last two years, but it hasn't been easy.  He always seems to play well against New York, and though his numbers are very pedestrian right now (3.56 Goals Against Average and a Save Percentage of .886), look for him to be ready to stone the offensively-challenged Rangers again.  If somehow he doesn't get the nod, the backup is Michal Neuvirth.

Also tonight, the Rangers welcome back J.T. Miller, recalled along with newly minted backup goalie Cam Talbot when Arron Asham and Martin Biron were waived and subsequently sent to Hartford.  Miller had an injury that delayed his camp, but once he was there, he was very impressive.  He'll start on the 4th line tonight but look for him to log plenty of power play time if the Rangers get a call or two.

Until tonight at 8:00 PM EST....BLEED BLUE.