Capitals vs. Rangers: Game 5 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The New York Rangers snagged a 3-2 advantage in their 2012 Stanley Cup playoff series with the Washington Capitals by way of a 3-2 overtime win at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

The Rangers outshot the Caps, 38-18, but couldn't muster much offense whatsoever until Joel Ward was penalized for high-sticking. His absence opened up the ice for Brad Richards to tie the score at the end of regulation, and for Marc Staal to finish it off in the early stages of overtime. 

New York jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first period on a score by Anton Stralman before surrendering an equalizer to Brooks Laich and watching John Carlson snap off what would have been the game-winner on a power play in the third.

The Blueshirts pushed the game into overtime with 6.6 seconds left in the third period on a rebound score by Brad Richards. New York appeared to be dead on the ice until Joel Ward picked up a four-minute double minor on Carl Hagelin at the 19:38 mark, leaving the Rangers with a six-on-four advantage. It was the latest the Rangers had ever scored a goal in a playoff game. 

Tweets of the Night

The Caps have inspired a fair share of celebrity fans with the way they've played this postseason, including CBS Sports college basketball buff Seth Davis:

"

You gotta be pretty brave to cheer for the Capitals tonight at MSG but I'm here and ready to represent the 202. Let's go Caps!!!

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) May 7, 2012"

And, as Dave Lozo of NHL.com points out, Caps fever has managed to infiltrate Sesame Street:

"

OK. I laughed. RT @GameOnGlove: @DaveLozo Elmo picks the Caps! bit.ly/ITeCWg

— Dave Lozo (@DaveLozo) May 7, 2012"

Not that the Rangers have had any trouble drawing a spectacular cheering section of their own:

"

PHOTO: Hall of Famer, #NYR great Brad Park cheering on Blueshirts at @MSGnyc #LetsGoRangers yfrog.com/mg1cybj

— New York Rangers (@thenyrangers) May 8, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

Here's another look at Marc Staal's one-timer to give the Rangers the advantage in the game and series:

Grades for Key Capitals Players

Alexander Ovechkin: C+

Ovechkin put in a workman-like performance against the Blueshirts on Monday night. The Caps superstar winger notched a helper on Laich's goal in the second period, blocked two shots, and added three hits in 19:08 of ice time, albeit without registering a single shot on goal.

Braden Holtby: B+

Once again, the rookie outplayed King Henrik—however slightly yet significantly—on the way to securing a win for D.C. Holtby was under fire from the Rangers offense all night, but still managed to stop 35 of the 38 shots flung his way.

It's tough to fault the kid too much for giving up three goals when the team in front of him did such a poor job of stopping the puck.

Grades for Key Rangers Players

Marian Gaborik: A-

Gabby was something of a pesky speed demon all night for the Blueshirts. He didn't register any points, though he was able to snap off seven shots, along with a hit and two takeaways.

Henrik Lundqvist: A-

King Henrik had the privilege of playing behind a stingy Rangers defense, but once again found himself behind the eight-ball against the rookie Holtby. In total, Lundqvist faced 18 shots, stopping 16 of them.

Deciding Factor: Power Play

Three of the game's five goals were scored on the advantage. John Carlson gave the Caps the lead in the third period after Mike Rupp went out on a two-minute hooking penalty.

But the biggest difference proved to be the four-minute double minor that Joel Ward picked up at the end of regulation for a high stick to Carl Hagelin's noggin. That advantage allowed the Blueshirts to swarm Holtby for the leveler with mere seconds left in Game 5 before Marc Staal slotted through the game-winner unassisted on the very same power play early in overtime. 

Game MVP: Marc Staal 

Marc Staal assisted on the first goal of the game, and put the last one through all by his lonesome. For that, he gets an extra tip of the hat.

What's Next?

The Rangers will head down to Washington for Game 6 on Wednesday, looking to close out the Capitals and move on to the Eastern Conference finals.

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