It came down to the final seconds. After Dylan Strome won a faceoff back for an Evgeny Kuznetsov shot in the slot, Igor Shesterkin made one last save to preserve a 2-1 Rangers win over the Capitals. He stopped 24 of 25 shots to help the Rangers snap their four-game losing streak.

It was a much needed victory. With both the Hurricanes and Flyers on their heels, the Rangers came out with an important two points on Sunday afternoon. It didn’t come easy. The rematch with the Caps was another hard fought game decided by a goal.

At least this time, it was the Rangers who came out on top. They were able to rebound from Saturday’s 3-2 loss in Washington by turning the tables back home in New York City. There were some close calls late with them protecting a one-goal lead. But they did enough to earn their first win since Jan. 4.

Kakko Plays Well in Return

The biggest story coming into the game was the return of Kaapo Kakko. After missing 21 games due to a lower-body injury that he suffered against the Sabres on Nov. 27, Kakko played well against the Caps.

With Rangers coach Peter Laviolette deciding to put Kakko back up on the slumping first line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, they had a bit more jump early on. During a strong first period mostly controlled by the guys wearing the dark blue liberty jerseys, the trio spent a long shift in the Caps’ zone. Kakko was set up in front. But Charlie Lindgren made a good save to deny him.

Although the top line didn’t hit the score sheet, at least they were more noticeable. During the recent stretch, there have been too many shifts when you wondered if Zibanejad and Kreider were on the back of a milk carton. They haven’t been consistent enough at five-on-five. A key area that must improve in order for the Rangers to have success this spring.

Kakko even took the body. He was credited with two hits. A welcome change from how he played in the first part of the season. He also had two shots-on-goal and four attempts in 16:04 of ice time. He received over two minutes on the second power play. Oddly enough, it was that second unit that generated some good chances. Kakko was stopped on one opportunity.

Panarin Gets it Started Early

Before the game was a minute old, Artemi Panarin got things started early. He scored his team-leading 27th goal just 50 seconds in to put the Rangers in front.

On a play from behind his net, Jacob Trouba made a good outlet up to Vincent Trocheck. He then gained the Caps’ zone and moved the puck across for a quick Panarin one-timer that beat Charlie Lindgren underneath the glove.

With the goal, it gave Panarin 400 points as a New York Ranger. It came in his 310th game. He has 127 goals and 273 assists since joining the Rangers in 2019-20. In 42 games, he has 59 points to rank third in league scoring this season. For the game, Panarin had a goal with four shots and went plus-two in 18:47. That included 7:11 of power play time.

Lafreniere Gets Winner

For most of the first period, it was the Rangers who dictated the terms. They held the Caps to three shots for most of the period. Earlier in it, Alexis Lafreniere had a chance to put them up by a pair. However, Lindgren made the save. That didn’t prevent Lafreniere from getting the winner in what was a close game between old rivals.

With less than a minute left, Braden Schneider kept the puck in and found Lafreniere isolated in front. His first shot was stopped by Lindgren. But he was able to put in the rebound to make it 2-0.

The goal ended an eight-game drought. It was Lafreniere’s first goal since Dec. 27 versus Washington. His 11th of the season allowed the Rangers to take a two-goal lead to the locker room.

Although scoring has been tough for him, Lafreniere has been putting up points. He has two goals and six assists for eight points over his last 10 games. His impact was felt on Sunday. It was the diligent work of Lafreniere that drew four penalties. That included a visibly frustrated Joel Edmundson after he was called for high-sticking during the third period.

Lafreniere’s willingness to forecheck and battle for loose pucks is what makes him tough for opponents. His work ethic is a big reason why he’s drawing so many penalties. You never have to worry about his battle level.

His impressive play earned him the game’s first star.

Caps Get Back in It

As often happens in these games, there’s usually a turning point when the momentum shifts. For a while, the Rangers continued to be in charge. But for some reason, they stopped shooting the puck. That helped the Caps get back in it.

With the Rangers suddenly limited offensively against a sharper Caps in the second period, eventually, things began to change. It started with them over passing the puck. That allowed the Caps to move in transition and get a couple of long shots on Shesterkin.

On a bad giveaway by Erik Gustafsson, in which he tried to go up the middle, his lob was intercepted by the Caps. That caused some trouble. Following a tough save from Shesterkin on T.J. Oshie, the Rangers were in full scramble mode. Eventually, Max Pacioretty and Strome were able to set up Oshie in front to cut the deficit to 2-1 with 8:57 remaining in the second period.

Gustafsson’s game has definitely taken a step back lately. He’s committed a few more mistakes that have not helped the cause. While he’s been a good addition, it might be time for Laviolette to consider giving him a night off. If he does, Zac Jones would get into a game. Whether or not that’s being considered depends on the coaching staff.

Oshie nearly tied it a couple of shifts later. Fortunately, Shesterkin made the save on his deflection. Oshie was very good in the two games, scoring in both.

Lindgren Stones Kreider

After Lafreniere drew an interference minor on Martin Fehervary, the Rangers came close to going back up by two. Lindgren made a couple of saves on Zibanejad and Trocheck before Nic Dowd took down Adam Fox, which led to a 37-second five-on-three.

Lindgren stoned Kreider to keep the Rangers off the scoreboard. Following a first save on Kreider, he then made an even better glove save to prevent a certain power-play goal. In particular, Lindgren’s right catching glove was superb in the two-game series. He’d later rob Jimmy Vesey with another glove stop.

Lindgren made 54 saves on 58 combined shots over two starts against the Rangers this weekend. He was named the game’s third star in a losing effort on Sunday.

Shesterkin Shuts the Door

With the Caps continuing to hang around due to the Rangers’ sudden power play outage, they came close to tying it in the third period. Shesterkin shut the door when called upon.

On the first shift, he had to come up with two saves on Oshie and Pacioretty. Shesterkin finished with 24 saves on 25 shots to get the victory. It was one he needed for his confidence.

He also made a nice glove save by getting across to stop Connor McDavid on a one-timer with over 90 seconds left in the game. Shesterkin made seven saves to help the Rangers get back in the win column.

The Caps also missed a couple of scoring chances. Tom Wilson fired a shorthanded shot wide during a Rangers power play. Pacioretty was set up for a dangerous chance with Lindgren off for an extra attacker. However, he didn’t get all of the shot and sent his one-timer wide with 17 seconds remaining.

Ryan Lindgren absorbed a Wilson hit to clear the zone. He had a good game finishing with four blocks and a plus-one in 19:10. Trocheck shot for the empty net but missed wide for an icing.

That allowed the Caps one final chance. Following Strome beating Trocheck on the draw, Shesterkin made the save on Kuznetsov. The puck went behind the net as time expired.

Kraken visit MSG

The Rangers have one more home game this week. They’ll host the Kraken at MSG on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Seattle has won eight consecutive games. Buoyed by the play of goalie Joey Daccord, along with All-Star Oliver Bjorkstrand and Vince Dunn, they’ve been playing much better lately. The Kraken are fast and can score goals. It’ll be a good test for the Rangers.