The Rangers best players must step it up for a critical Game 2 tomorrow.
AP Photo by Gene J. Puskar/Getty Images

Following last night’s stunning 2-1 loss that allowed the Capitals to take Game 1 thanks to Joel Ward’s goal with 1.3 seconds left in regulation, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault called out his best players. When asked to assess Alex Ovechkin’s performance, he heaped praise on the top Capital who scored and set up Ward’s winner.

“He played a great game,” Vigneault said. “There’s no doubt that one of my focuses is going to (be) getting my top players to play at a top level, and Washington obviously had players tonight that played a real strong game. And we’re gonna need to do that.”

When the series continues tomorrow at MSG for a essential Game 2 for the Rangers, they’ll need more from star players. That includes leading regular season scorer Rick Nash. Six games into the postseason, he remains stuck on one goal. The lone goal coming too late in a 4-3 Game 2 home loss to the Penguins last round. Nash had four points in that low scoring series. In Game 1 versus the Caps against Brooks Orpik, he had three shots and drew a penalty on Orpik. However, he was too much on the perimeter. A recurring theme for a player that’s struggled to perform. For his postseason career, he has six goals in 47 games. Five in 43 as a Ranger.

Nash isn’t the only one not producing. In an increased role, 39-year old vet Martin St. Louis was held off the score sheet Thursday night. Thus far, he has only one assist in six games. At least he took four shots and got a quality chance off the rush forcing Braden Holtby to make a tough save on a backhand. With Mats Zuccarello out for the second round, they need more from St. Louis. He and Nash are two-thirds of the top line anchored by Derick Brassard who had the best chance just missing on a Kevin Klein rebound late in the second period. He’s been more noticeable with three goals and a helper.

The second line was no better. Derek Stepan had a tough night. He had issues controlling the puck and wasn’t able to make those tape to tape passes we’re accustomed to. Chris Kreider was up and down. He was more visible in the third when he had a tip try in front of Holtby and later nearly collided with him while driving the net in a battle with Orpik. J.T. Miller was good on the forecheck forcing turnovers and delivered five hits. However, he missed the net on a couple of great chances and was partially to blame for Ward’s game-winner. He also had a bad turnover that almost proved costly.

The turnovers were a common theme. The Rangers had 20 giveaways. Way too many against an aggressive physical opponent who hits hard. The Caps easily could’ve had two or three more goals prior to Jesper Fast’s first career postseason goal that tied it. But Ovechkin and Ward each hit posts and Henrik Lundqvist bailed out teammates with some big glove saves including a strong denial on Nicklas Backstrom in the third with his team still trailing.

Ryan McDonagh didn’t play up to his usual standard passing a puck right to a Cap with Tom Wilson breathing down his neck. He didn’t do a good job closing out Ovechkin, who had enough room to draw both McDonagh and Stepan before threading the needle to Ward for the stunner.

It wasn’t a good game for a team that prides itself on team defense. The Blueshirts gave Ovechkin too much time and space. On the penalty kill, he was allowed easy access with a late coming Dan Boyle unable to deny Ovechkin’s rocket that beat Lundqvist inside the bar. It was curious as to why Boyle was caught out for both Caps goals. That’s not a favorable match-up. Even though he tried to do the right thing killing the clock at the end, he paid dearly with Backstrom’s controversial hit. His teammates stopped playing with McDonagh basically admitting he expected a whistle. Always play till the buzzer.

If they are to even the second round series tomorrow, the Rangers must get a better effort from their top players. That includes Lundqvist, who did all he could making 27 saves to give his team a chance. Obviously, he needs help. The team hasn’t scored enough. Offense wasn’t a problem during the season with the Rangers ranking third in the NHL averaging 3.02 goals-per-game. However, the Islanders were right behind them at 2.99 and are home because the Caps shut them down.

It would be nice if they got off to a quick start Saturday. Beating Holtby early should boost their psyche. Especially after how they lost. The playoffs are unforgiving. As Lundqvist and other Blueshirts, they have to move on. It’ll be interesting to see how they respond.

Vigneault Doesn’t Rip Officiating: Alain Vigneault easily could’ve gone after the refs for not calling Backstrom for a penalty on his tough hit on Boyle. But as they have throughout the playoffs, the officials aren’t making many calls. They’re trying to stay out of the way. Something Vigneault noted to Daily News reporter Pat Leonard.

Updating Boyle’s status, he practiced despite being banged up. So, it looks like he should be good to go for Game 2. Still, when you hear a vet admit he wasn’t all there following such a hit, it’s alarming. Hope he truly is okay. Matt Hunwick can fill in if needed.

One final point. The Rangers who are tweeting in all lowercase avoiding CAPS sent out a tweet on Boyle practicing. As usual, the commentary from a few fans wasn’t too kind.

Judging from some responses, it’s obvious none have ever played organized hockey. I’ll admit to never having done so either. But could our fans at least show some respect here? Granted. Boyle has been a sore spot most of the year. It’s painfully obvious he isn’t Anton Stralman, who actually got a second place vote from a writer for the Norris per NY Post’s Brett Cyrgalis.

Boyle is still a player who provides valuable minutes. Should he have been out over Dan Girardi on that fateful last shift? Probably not. That’s up to the coaching staff. They are the ones who draw the assignments. At times, I have been guilty of killing players too. But we should always support them. They need us. Judging from the lack of energy through the TV last night, MSG wasn’t loud enough. The Rangers need stronger support to draw even tomorrow.