Ovechkin is simply terrible, he is about to be kicked out of the playoffs! Washington is one step away from a disgraceful end to the season

Miroshnichenko made his debut, but did not save.

The series between the Rangers and Washington moved to the Capitals’ home court with the score 2–0 in favor of the Blueshirts, and the first home game was critical for the Capitals. A loss would put Washington on the brink of disaster, and while there have been miraculous comebacks from 0-3 in the series throughout history, the current team Alexandra Ovechkina does not allow us to count on this.

Washington head coach Spencer Carbury assigned newcomer Ivan Miroshnichenko to the squad, who sat in the reserves for the first two matches of the playoffs.

“Miro is a mature young player who has played enough games at this level. We talked to him a lot, he attended all the meetings. So I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes out and is very good. I’m waiting for him to give us energy. But he doesn’t have to save the world. I don’t expect him to do anything incredible. We just need energy and efficiency”“, noted the coach.

Miroshnichenko, in the end, spent 9 minutes and 31 seconds on the ice, made 2 shots on target and scored three power moves. Ivan failed to score points, but almost no one in Washington had them in this match. Exception – defender John Carlson, who opened the scoring in the game, and his assistants – Oshi and Fehervar. Carlson’s quick goal was instantly responded to Chris Criderwhich equalized the score within half a minute, and then the Capitals experienced a real collapse.

Washington got the right to play on the power play after Ryan Lindgren was sent off, but everything turned out as unsuccessfully as possible. Ovechkin missed the goal from mid-range, the Rangers intercepted and organized an instant counterattack that ended with the puck Barclay Goodrow.

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This goal turned out to be decisive both in the match and, possibly, in the series. Washington was no longer able to come back, and the overall unimportant situation was aggravated by the injury of the leading defender Trevor Van Riemsdykwho was “carried out” by the hero of the first game Matt Rempe. “Ranger” pinned his opponent to the boards, and although there was no particular rudeness in the moment, Van Riemsdyk flew extremely unsuccessfully into the wall, since at the moment of the impact he was not looking at his opponent.

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How can one not remember that in the previous game the most powerful hit was Artemy Panarin, knocking down TJ Oshie. Everyone then demanded to disqualify the Russian, who did not receive even a small fine, but Oshie himself intervened in the situation, saying that everything was according to the rules and he likes this kind of game.

As for Alexander Ovechkin, he made 4 shots in 24 minutes of playing time, made 2 turnovers, made 3 power shots and blocked one shot. He still has no points in the current playoffs.

“Ovechkin spent a lot of time on the power play. It was a lot and it was terrible. Six times in a row the team has been unable to realize its numerical advantage. Sunday night could be the time Washington is kicked out of the playoffs.” – noted Russian Machine Never Breaks columnist Peter Hassett.

The series is now 3-0 in favor of the Rangers, and the Blueshirts could close it out on Monday night.