Capitals vs. Rangers: Game 7 TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Few things in sports are more exciting than a Game 7 in the playoffs, and the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers will partake in exactly that on Saturday night. The Caps were victorious with their backs against the wall in a must-win Game 6, and they have the momentum heading into the series' decisive contest.

Although Washington disappointed in the regular season and barely got into the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs as the No. 7 seed, it is clear that this year's edition of the Capitals is much different than those of the past. The Caps have always had great offensive skill, but since Dale Hunter took over as head coach, they have learned how to be responsible defensively and protect leads.

The Rangers were the Eastern Conference's top team in the 2011-12 regular season thanks to spectacular goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist and great team defense, but they have really struggled offensively this postseason. Washington has been able to match the Blueshirts when it comes to intensity, and that is why this series is going the distance.

Here is everything you need to know for Saturday's Game 7 between the Capitals and Rangers, which will determine the final entrant into the NHL's version of the final four in the 2012 NHL playoffs.

Where: Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y.

When: Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC Sports Network

Listen: WFED 1500 AM (Washington) and WEPN 1050 AM (New York)

Live Stream: CBC.ca

Betting Line: Rangers (-150) and Capitals (+130)

Capitals' Key Injuries (via Yahoo! Sports)

Out: D Tom Poti (groin - IR)

Rangers' Key Injuries (via Yahoo! Sports)

Out: D Michael Sauer (concussion - IR), F Mats Zuccarello (wrist), F Brandon Dubinsky (foot)

What They're Saying

The New York Rangers had a golden opportunity to close out the series against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night, but it was clear from the start that the Caps were the hungrier team.

Despite blowing a great chance, the Rangers' players have moved on and feel they have the advantage thanks to the hometown fans, according to Dan Girardi, as told to Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post:

"

We know it’s going to be a hard game, it’s going to be who has the better start, who comes out flying. We’re lucky to have the Garden Faithful behind us and we just have to win one game.

"

Most Important Player to Watch: Alexander Ovechkin

Despite having four 100-point seasons to his credit in just seven years at the NHL level, Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin has been much maligned this season. He did manage to score 38 goals during the season, but his 65 points were by far the lowest total of his career. The captain has struggled to adjust to his team's defensive style of play, and he essentially led to the firing of head coach Bruce Boudreau earlier in the season.

Hunter hasn't exactly embraced Ovechkin either, though, as he has opted to play more defensive-minded players late in games. It's fair to say that Ovechkin put forth his most complete effort yet on Wednesday, though, as he scored a goal early in the first period and proceeded to block shots, make hits and do everything necessary to win.

If Ovechkin brings his usual offensive flair to the table and does all of the little things in Game 7 as well, the Caps will be in great shape.

Key Matchup: Braden Holtby vs. Henrik Lundqvist

While it's certainly true that you can't win a game unless you score goals, the other team can't win if you don't allow them to. With that in mind, the goaltenders are going to be unbelievably important in this finale.

They may not be going head-to-head against each other per se, but Capitals rookie Braden Holtby and Rangers star Henrik Lundqvist will be engaged in an epic battle of wills in the seventh and deciding game of the series.

While Lundqvist entered the series with the clear upper hand as a top candidate for the Vezina Trophy, Holtby has been stone-faced the entire time. It doesn't appear as though any situation is too big for him, as he outlasted the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins in the first round.

Neither team has scored more than three goals in a game during this series, but things should be even tighter in this one, so whichever goalie can hold the opposition to less than two goals will likely come out on top.

Prediction

Capitals 2, Rangers 1