Capitals fall to the Rangers on special Disney Channel broadcast

The NHL decided to use their puck and player tracking technology in front of the youngest audience possible with their partnership with Disney for the Big City Greens Classic. The hockey game wasn’t good for the Washington Capitals, but the overall game presentation in a cartoon format was good though I certainly wish they included characters like Mickey Mouse. In the end the Caps fell to the New York Rangers 5-3.

Mika Zibanejad struck first for the Rangers at 4:09. At 14:29 the Caps tied it on a goal from Nicolas Aube-Kubel for his fourth goal of the season. The assists came from Aliaksei Protas and Matt Irwin.

Zibanejad, who has been known to be a Caps killer, struck again at 14:45. Newly acquired Patrick Kane scored on the power play at 18:46. The Rangers are making a serious push for the Cup this spring and they are hoping Kane is that missing piece.

3-1 was the score after one. Caps were outshot 19-9.

In the second Jacob Trouba scored at 4:09. Matt Irwin made it a 4-2 game with his second goal of the season at 12:08 with the assists coming from T.J. Oshie and Rasmus Sandin.

4-2 was the score after two in a much better period for the Capitals who outshot New York 19-9.

Shots were even at six in the third period while the final shot total was 36-31in favor of the Rangers. The Caps tried to get the equalizer and they made a late push.

Nic Dowd scored his career high 12th goal of the season at 11:48 with Dylan Strome and Trevor van Riemsdyk providing the helpers. Jimmy Vesey put the game away at 17:49 with an empty net goal.

Darcy Kuemper stopped 31 of the 35 shots he faced. He was helped out or lack thereof in the cartoon world by none other than Bill Green who sported his own hockey stick that he hand carved and even went without a goalie mask. The Rangers went with Gramma in net but at least the Caps got a few goals off her.

The Caps are back in action tonight as they host the Buffalo Sabres at 7 p.m.