It’s been a long time since the Washington Capitals scored a goal against the Rangers. The last Capital to score against the Rangers now calls Phoenix home (Mike Ribeiro’s Game 5 winner in last year’s playoffs), but Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist has been the man since then. Back to back shutouts in last year’s playoffs rolled over in to last night’s 22-save shutout, and much needed 2-0 victory over their renewed division rivals in the Nation’s Capital.

The Rangers scored both of their goals within a 1:46 span of the second period. John Moore fired a shot from the point to break the scoreless tie at 12:05 of the middle frame, and Ryan Callahan batted in a Brad Richards shot for his third goal of the season. However, the game could have gone much differently if Joel Ward didn’t fumble a golden opportunity. At 12:03 of the first period, while the Caps had a five-on-three advantage, Ward missed an open net while parked on the doorstep. I don’t want to say the momentum went the Rangers way at that exact moment, but it did let some air out of the Capitals’ sails.

The Blueshirts’ victory last night snapped a three-game losing streak in which they were outscored 20-5. They are 2-4-0 on the season, and have three games remaining on their season-opening road trip. With the struggling Devils and Flyers coming up in their next two contests, the Rangers have an excellent chance to right the ship and an opportunity to win three straight intradivision road games.

Rangers Round Up

-Carl Hagelin has been cleared for contact in practice. The early target date for his return is Tuesday 10/29 at the Islanders

-Rick Nash has been placed on the IR with a concussion. This is his second concussion in 2013. The last one came back on February 12th against the Boston Bruins.

-Goalie Martin Biron and Winger Arron Asham have both been sent down to Hartford after clearing waivers. Cam Talbot was called up in Biron’s place, JT Miller came up for Asham.

-Brad Richards two assists last night brings him to a total of seven points in six games (4G 3A). He has registered a point in four of those six games.