The Washington Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins yesterday in overtime, by a final score of 3-2. Forward Eric Fehr was credited with the winning goal that secured a victory in the season finale, in front of a charged up crowd at the Verizon Center in Downtown, DC.
It was game 48 on the official stat sheet and the final game of the 2013 regular season, but for the Washington Capitals, it was another game available to them, to fine tune prior to facing the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals, which start Tuesday or Wednesday of the coming week.
“I think it was important,” Defensemen Mike Green said. “I think that last game we didn’t come out very strong and didn’t play the last 60 minutes. It was important tonight that we showed some character and came back and have the confidence going into the playoffs.”
Speaking of Mike Green, number 52 on the official score sheet, added a pair of power-play goals in the third and final frame in regulation, sending the Capitals to overtime for an eventual winner by Fehr.
“You saw how special he can be,” Head Coach Adam Oates said. “He got us back in the game by himself, kind of, even though it’s on PP. But that first shot is all-world. He got his juices going.”
Playing in 35 total regular season games this season for the Washington Capitals, Green has amassed 12 goals and 26 points. The popular blue-liner missed some time due to a groin issue.
“It feels good. It’s been a rough year too,” Green said. “You enjoy playing the game again, coming to the rink every day knowing that you have the confidence and your body’s stable enough to play. It’s a lot of fun.”
John Tortorella and the New York Rangers
The Washington Capitals have a vivid memory of the 2012 post season and how it concluded. Falling short after seven hard fought games, the Capitals will get another chance at the New York Rangers starting this upcoming week on either Tuesday or Wednesday.
“The games are a lot different then they were last year,” Defensemen Karl Alzner said. But like we’ve said also, we don’t care too much about the other team. We’re happy with what we are doing. The Rangers will be tough to play, I think They’re built for the playoffs. If they can stay healthy they’re definitely a contender I think.”
Head Coach Adam Oates is new to the Capitals-Rangers post season battles, but knows all too well how to prepare and will surely have the Red Shirts ready to go for this week.
“They get a day of rest and Monday we’ve got to go back to work and prepare for a hockey team,” Oates said. We’ve done some good things, no question. We’ve come a long way, we have a long way to go.”
As for the always candid Head Coach of the New York Rangers, John Tortorella, he is concerned with his teams health heading into the first round matchup.
“I’m concerned with the lineup a little bit, with the injuries we have right now,” Coach Tortorella said. “I hope some guys get healthy.”
Rangers forward Ryane Clowe injured his right leg on a pursuing puck battle in yesterday’s game against the New Jersey Devils. No additional information on the rugged winger’s status for this week.
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