Capitals vs. Rangers: Game 7 Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

On the strength of a 2-1 Game 7 victory over the Washington Capitals, the New York Rangers are advancing to the Eastern Conference finals. 

Brad Richards netted the game's first goal just 1:24 into the contest. Both teams had a few chances as the game progressed, but generally, solid defense and excellent goalkeeping kept anyone else from changing the scoreboard until the final period has crossed the halfway point. 

The Rangers padded their lead when Michael Del Zotto scored the game's second goal, but less than half-a-minute later, the Capitals' Roman Hamrlik put Washington on the board. However, that's where the scoring ended. 

This was a physical, intense and well-played game—exactly what you want in a Game 7. 

Tweets of the Night

The Rangers had, what looked like, a potential game-sealing third goal late in the third period. However, an early whistle led to the goal being disallowed. The MSG Network's Alan Hahn pointed out the folly in this tweet.

"

Referee lost sight of the puck, blows premature whistle. Rangers lose what could have been a huge shortie. No, not a shawty, a shorty.

— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) May 13, 2012"

The Record's Tara Sullivan pointed out that this game was essentially over not long after it began. 

"

In a series where every first goal won the game, maybe none bigger than Brad Richards' 6th of playoffs? 1-0 Rangers after just 1:32

— tara sullivan (@Record_Tara) May 12, 2012"

CNBC's Darren Rovel provided a little historical contest for the upcoming Rangers-Devils Eastern Conference finals showcase.

"

The last time the Rangers & Devils played an Eastern Conference Finals game, it was exactly 3 weeks before O.J.'s car chase.

— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) May 12, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

The Rangers got off to a fast start in this game, opening up a 1-0 lead early in the first period, and it sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy, as only a goal ahead goal in a Game 7 can do. This video does a great job of capturing that moment. 

Grades for Key Capitals Players

Alexander Ovechkin: B-

Coming off a fantastic Game 6, Ovi couldn't get much going in this one. This wasn't all his fault; the Rangers played some tremendous defense, and stopping him was clearly a priority. 

Still, in a game of this magnitude, a player of Ovi's stature must find a way to make a bigger impact, and he managed to get off just two shots on goal.  

Braden Holtby: B+

Holtby had a solid game. He ended up saving 29 shots on 31 goals. While the Caps needed him to make at least one more save, you can't blame him for this loss.

Grades for Key Rangers Players

Marian Gaborik: B+

Gaborik didn't make a huge dent on the stat sheet as he had just one assist and no goals, but he was aggressive and active all game. 

He skated fantastically without the puck to help keep the pressure on the defense. He fired off six shots on goal.

Henrik Lundqvist: A

Lundqvist came up huge in this decisive Game 7. He stopped 22 shots on 23 attempts. 

While you'd like to see Lundqvist shut the door after they took the 2-0 lead, that would have been a very tough save. He was this team's rock all game. 

Deciding Factor: Home Ice

The Rangers busted their tails all season to earn a No. 1 seed exactly for situations like this. They had a deciding Game 7, and they got to play it in front of their hometown fans. 

This crowd was full of energy all game, and it undoubtedly helped keep the Rangers' intensity up, especially at the end of the second period when New York turned Washington away on several good scoring opportunities. 

Game MVP: Henrik Lundqvist

For my money, Lundqvist has been the league's best goalie all season, and he backed that up in this game. He was not going to let his Rangers lose on this night. 

What's Next? 

The Rangers will move on to the Eastern Conference finals to take on the New Jersey Devils. The Devils advanced by beating the Philadelphia Flyers four straight, after losing the first game of the series. 

The series will begin in New York on Monday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET.