Capitals Roasted by Rangers

The Washington Capitals suffered an 8-3 loss to the New York Rangers after blowing a 3-1 lead on Day 116. The setback was Washington's second straight and moved the club to 23-30-9.

New York got on the board first midway through the opening period. Eminger got the goal at 10:13. The Capitals rallied with a pair of markers to go up 2-1. Todd Warriner struck first from Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo at 11:58, before Cory Sarich converted from Nik Antropov and Henrik Tallinder at 19:08.

Washington pushed its advantage to two goals when Sarich scored his second of the game early in the second period. Oleg Saprykin and Peter Tenkrat earned the assists at 4:18. The Rangers battled back with two scores to tie the game after 40 minutes. Pilar started the comeback from Berglund and Kilger at 11:26. Alfredsson tied the game from Backer and Redden at 14:06.

New York blew the game wide open in the final period. Lukowich netted the eventual game-winner from Alfredsson and Prucha at 0:35, and Eriksson started a late surge with a goal from Prucha and Fedorov at 15:36. Prucha made it 6-3 from Fedorov and Eminger at 17:38, before Alfredsson completed his hat trick with a pair of markers from Girard and Dumont at 18:52 and 19:48.

JS Giguere stopped 21 shots in the loss. Kevin Weekes made just one save on four shots in relief. Mike Dunham picked up his 30th win after stopping 24 shots.

The Capitals host Carolina on Day 117.