The New York Rangers were in a must-win situation in game four against the Washington Capitals. Being down 3-1 going back to Washington would have been a huge hole for the Blue Shirts.
Late in the first period, Capitals goalie Braden Holtby went to play the puck and committed one of the cardinal sins of playing the puck in the defensive zone. If you’re a goalie and you’ve left the net, you should never throw a cross ice pass. Rangers forward Taylor Pyatt made an awesome play to knock down the puck which went right to Carl Hagelin. Hagelin’s shot was blocked by John Carlson as Holtby went sliding across the crease and Brad Richards was able to put the rebound into the virtually empty net. The goal gave the Rangers momentum and they went on to win the game 4-3 to even the series heading into game five.
