NEW YORK — The schedule toughened for the Rangers Thursday, when Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals came to town. But the Rangers toughened up, too, and showed the Caps, and the rest of the NHL’s East Division that they are going to be a team to be reckoned with this season.
Ryan Strome had two goals, local Long Island boy Anthony Bitetto scored his first goal in his second game as a Ranger, and goalie Igor Shesterkin was brilliant as the Rangers grabbed a lead and held on for a 4-2 win over the Caps at Madison Square Garden, their second victory in a row, and third in their last four games.
With the win, the Rangers (4-4-2) climbed out of last place in the division. Their scheduled game Saturday against the Devils has been postponed because of COVID-19 protocols, and they are off now until Monday when they host the Islanders at the Garden.
