One of the great things about this team is the backup goalie. Marty Biron is one of the most likeable players in the league. The always quirky and quotable Ranger netminder finally got in yesterday for Henrik Lundqvist and ruled D.C. He finished with 28 saves in the Blueshirts’ 4-1 win over the Caps. His first appearance since Feb.23 produced his second win (first since Feb.2).

After permitting an early goal to Steve Olesky 2:16 in, he blanked the Capitals the rest of the way. Afterwards, Biron joked about the tough start to chuckles in the locker room. He just gets it. Biron is popular among teammates, coaches and fans for that happy go lucky attitude. He plays his role perfectly.

On a day I went all the way up to Harlem with a friend, the Rangers continued their turnaround. Since Rick Nash returned, they’ve won five of six and moved into eighth with 28 points (13-9-2) at the halfway point. They remain a point behind the Devils, who have slumped recently. However, they did post a shootout win over Winnipeg yesterday as Hasan detailed. Ironically, the Jets rank ninth two points behind us. It’ll continue to be a challenge in the second half in what’s a chaotic schedule. There’s no room for the weary with the Rangers back at it tomorrow at Buffalo and then in Winnipeg Thursday.

As usual, Nash did his thing setting up two goals. A power play goal which was credited to him was changed to Ryan Callahan, who got a piece of Nash’s one-timer for his eighth. Though his goal streak ended at five, Nash extended his point streak to 10 dating back to Feb.10. He’s tallied 16 points (7-9-16) during the stretch including five two-point games since his return. Nash is 6-5-11 with a power play goal, game-winner and a plus-four rating over the last six. Only one of his nine markers this season haven’t come in the third period. A recent 3-2 loss to Ottawa.

After Derek Stepan tied the game by banking one off Braden Holtby from behind the net, they took full advantage of Alexander Ovechkin mistakes to take control. On a delayed call, the Washington captain took another penalty. A rare instance where the same player was going to receive two penalties. Still with the puck and Biron to the bench for an extra attacker, Carl Hagelin and Ryan McDonagh combined to set up Brian Boyle for his first of 2013. It’s been well documented about Boyle’s struggles. Back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch against Ottawa, he let go of a shot that deflected off Ovechkin past Holtby.

”I tried to start a new season, basically,” Boyle said after receiving 15:30 of ice-time in 22 shifts. ”I tried to put myself in position to do the things that I can do well. I tried to keep it simple.” He took three shots, blocked two shots and went 8-of-16 in the faceoff circle with a minor penalty. Hopefully, it’ll boost his confidence.

With Ovechkin in the box for holding, Captain Cally notched his club-leading fifth PPG. How does he do it? By standing in front of the net. Simple yet effective. Nash took a Michael Del Zotto cross feed and shot from the right circle off Callahan for the Rangers’ second goal in 41 seconds- chasing Holtby (3 GA on 16 shots) in favor of Michael Neuvirth.

They led 3-1 but weren’t out of the woods yet. Late in the second, Darroll Powe followed Boyle to the sin bin, handing the Caps a great opportunity to get back in it. They had a five-on-three for 36 seconds. That’s when Biron stepped up. Coincidentally, we were in the car listening to the end of the period. Biron made at least three gigantic saves to keep Washington off the board. Eventually, Boyle returned and the Rangers killed off the rest of Powe’s minor. They got the job done despite losing two penalty killers.

I didn’t catch any of the third but had my Ranger text updates via my i-Phone. Once I saw that Brad Richards scored for the second consecutive game late in regulation, I was happy. Not that I expected the Caps to come back. I guess I felt confident that they’d be fine following the great PK. It’s nice to know that things are starting to come together. Now, they must continue it tomorrow.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (2 assists, 3 hits, +2 in 21 shifts-16:01)
2nd Star-Ryan McDonagh, NYR (2 assists, +2 in 25:58)
1st Star-Marty Biron, NYR (28 saves-2nd win)