New York Rangers Washington Capitals

Rangers, Capitals Set to Clash in First Round of NHL Playoffs

Familiar Foes Renew Rivalry

The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals will face off in the first round of the NHL playoffs, renewing a rivalry that has seen the home team win every game they have played in the regular season.

The Rangers and Capitals split their four regular season meetings, with each team winning at home. The Rangers won their game at Madison Square Garden, while the Capitals won theirs at Capital One Arena.

This will be the first time the Rangers and Capitals have met in the playoffs since 2015. The Capitals won that series in five games en route to winning the Stanley Cup.

The Rangers are coached by Peter Laviolette, who spent three years as the head coach of the Capitals before being fired last summer. Laviolette is familiar with the Capitals' strengths and weaknesses, which could give the Rangers an advantage in the series.

The Capitals are led by Alex Ovechkin, who is one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. Ovechkin has scored 730 goals in his career, and he is just 21 goals away from passing Gordie Howe for second place on the all-time list.

The Rangers are led by Artemi Panarin, who is one of the most dynamic players in the NHL. Panarin has 22 goals and 59 assists in 75 games this season, and he is a key part of the Rangers' offense.

The series is expected to be a close one, and it could go either way. The Rangers have home-ice advantage, but the Capitals have more experience in the playoffs. It should be a great series to watch.