NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Why Rangers vs. Capitals Game 3 Is a Must-Watch

With the series tied at one, the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals are set to square off in a Game 3 matchup that will give one team an advantage in their Conference Semifinal showdown.

The Capitals took the lead late in game two with the help of a timely power play and held off a surging Rangers team in the process.

The stage is now set for a pivotal Game 3, and here's why you must watch this game at all costs.

Alexander Ovechkin

Once considered the best player in the game, Ovechkin has cooled off the hot start he was on at the beginning of his career. He hasn't looked the same since, and while nobody can figure out why he's struggled, we all know how important he is to Washington's success.

Ovechkin netted the game-winner in Game 2 for his third goal of the playoffs, and the Caps can only hope this is the start of something good. If Ovechkin can get it going, it'll make all the difference in this series against the Rangers.

Once Ovechkin starts playing at a high level, hockey fan or not, you can't help but stop and watch this man play his game.

Pivotal Game 3

Game 3 of a series can make or break a team.

The Caps go home having taken back the home-ice advantage and have a chance to take control of this series. The Rangers, on the other hand, can take back home-ice by winning just one game in Washington.

Somebody will be leaving game three with the all important series lead and a step closer to the Stanley Cup.

Who will it be? You must watch to find out.

Best game on the schedule

No offense to Phoenix and Nashville, but a Rangers-Capitals matchup is more exciting any day of the week. The numerous big names on the ice at any time for New York and Washington easily gives it that distinction.

Not to mention, the Coyotes can let one game get away with a 2-0 lead while neither the Rangers nor Capitals can afford to lose as that would result in falling behind 2-1.

The close nature of the first two games of the Rangers-Capitals series almost guarantees that game three will be just as exciting.

Bottom line: looking for the most exciting game? The Rangers and Caps will certainly be your best bet.