Rangers vs. Capitals: Game 3 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

For the 10th time in as many Stanley Cup playoff games, the Washington Capitals were involved in a one-goal result.

On this night, though, it was the New York Rangers who reigned supreme, sneaking out a 2-1 win on a Marian Gaborik goal in triple overtime at the Verizon Center in D.C.

Both teams played fast and furious hockey throughout, but failed to capitalize on a number of spectacular opportunities. Alexander Ovechkin sent a shot off the post in the first overtime for the Caps, while Brian Boyle blocked one in the second extra period that would've delivered the result to the Blueshirts.

Then again, Braden Holtby and Henrik Lundqvist played so well in their respective goals that it's tough to blame either team for failing to end the game earlier.

All told, the finale snapped New York's seven-game losing streak in overtime contests and kept Washington winless in triple-overtime affairs all time while granting the Blueshirts a 2-1 lead in the series.

Tweets of the Night

Oh, good. The Rangers opened up a skating rink in Herald Square to celebrate the Blueshirts on Broadway.

Just in time for the series to move down to D.C.

"

PHOTO: Don't see this everyday!#NYR rink in Herald Square! Chase presents Blueshirts on Broadway! yfrog.com/och78wyvj

— New York Rangers (@thenyrangers) April 30, 2012"

According to Adam Vingan of NBC Washington, rookie goalie Braden Holtby is wise beyond his years:

"

Fun fact: the Chinese character on the back of Braden Holtby's mask means "continued improvement." The more you know. #Caps

— Adam Vingan (@Adam_KOL) May 3, 2012"

Bleacher Report's T.J. McAloon thinks Caps coach Dale Hunter should take up the "fashion-forward" approach of a certain behooded guru:

"

I think if Dale Hunter could coach in a hoodie and jeans he'd be able to pull it off like Bill Belicheck. #rockthered #caps

— T.J. McAloon (@tjmcaloon) May 3, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Marian Gaborik probably deserves four stars for his game-winning goal, if only because it allowed his teammates to finally get off the ice and rest up for Game 4.

Grades for Key Rangers Players

Ryan Callahan: A

Ryan Callahan was all over the ice for the Blueshirts again on Wednesday night. The right wing slotted home his fourth goal of the postseason on five shots on goal on one end, and stepped in to block five more and deliver four hits on the other.

Henrik Lundqvist: A+ 

King Henrik faced down a slew of shots that probably would've scooted past most goaltenders, but failed to find room through his pads. Lundqvist stopped 45 of the 46 shots the Caps snapped off on Wednesday night while absorbing every single second of ice time himself.

Grades for Key Capitals Players

Alexander Ovechkin: B

Ovechkin didn't have quite the impact on this game as he'd had through the first two tilts of the series at first, though his game picked up noticeably in the overtime periods. The Russian superstar finished with five shots on goal—including a golden opportunity in overtime that bounced off the post—and (twice) gave away the puck.

Ovi was also his physical self, with nine hits on the night.

Braden Holtby: A

Another playoff game, another outstanding effort by Holtby. The rookie stopped 47-of-49 shots directed his way while putting in arguably his finest performance as an NHL netminder. Holtby appeared to be much more at ease now that he's got some solid ice time under his belt.

Of course, Holtby didn't win, but the fact that he went nearly shot-for-shot with King Henrik over more than 114 minutes of ice time speaks volumes of this kid's ability.

Deciding Factor: Missed Opportunities

The final score belied just how wide open this game was offensively. Both teams had their opportunities to put the puck in the net, what with all the open ice they allowed to one another.

But when push came to shove, it was the Rangers who came through in the clutch, thanks to Gabby's stroke of game-ending genius in the third overtime. 

Game MVP: Marian Gaborik

The Rangers' leading scorer during the regular season assisted on their first goal and put through the game-winner himself in triple overtime. It was Gaborik's first score since the first game of the postseason.

What's Next

These two will return to the ice in D.C. at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, albeit more winded than usual.

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