In-game thoughts

First period thoughts:

- If the PK isn't working, it would be advisable to stop taking penalties. John Erskine: I'm looking at you.

- Beautiful highlight reel goal by AO.

- Hossa should have been called for goaltender interference on the second goal, but that's no excuse for allowing the Rangers to score three power play goals on five power plays.

- Everyone please dig around in your couch cushions and see if by any chance you find the Capitals' puck possession game.

Rangers 3, Capitals 1

Second:

- Ok, I'll let the Kozlov penalty go. He didn't deserve that one.

- Beautiful play by Morrisonn to stop a wrap around attempt while Kolzig was trying to recover from stopping it on the other side of the net moments before.

- Current SOG: 27-9, New York - 10:00 in the 2nd

- Fleischmann is now playing with Brashear and Sutherby.

- Fleischmann is now playing with Backstrom and Nylander. Looks like Hanlon is rocking the boat to see what comes out. This line actually managed to put a couple of shots on Lundqvist. I was starting to forget what King Henrik looked like.

- Kolzig has faced 31 shots with 4:00 remaining in the 2nd. Give him credit: he's been doing jumping jacks on his head tonight to try to keep the Caps in it.

- Another penalty? Sure, why not. Prucha's goal disallowed, and deservedly so.

- Caps finally amped up the pressure a bit in the last 1:30 or so. Here's hoping they keep that rolling into the 3rd and stop giving up so bloody many turnovers.

Rangers 3, Capitals 1

Third:

- Looking a little more together 4 minutes in.

- Lovely trip on AO by Drury. No penalty.

- They're finally managing to put consistent pressure on the Rangers and get their possession game going. 6 shots on Lundqvist thus far in the 3rd.

- I don't think Nylander could have said it better when asked about the impotent power play. Stop looking for the pretty play and just shoot the freaking puck!

- Nice poke check on a solo Jagr breakaway by Poti.

- 2:13 remaining, 1 man advantage for 45 seconds. To pull Olie, or not to pull Olie?

- Olie pulled.

- They're finally playing with the level of dominance and sense of urgency that were the hallmarks of the first two games of the season. Unfortunately there are only 20 seconds left in regulation.

Final: Rangers 3, Capitals 1

Well, that's what a sloppy first period will do to you. They took far too many penalties and failed to establish any sort of puck control in the opening frame.

The second was better. Fewer dumb penalties, but they still lacked control for the most part. The third was much better - What the entire game should have looked like. They were dominant, turning the tables and forcing the Rangers to take penalties, and outshooting them 11-4 along the way. But alas, it was too little, too late. It's not the end of the world, of course. We're only 4 games into the season. Here's hoping they keep that level of play rolling as they head upstate to meet the Sabres.

Oh, and congrats to AO on his 100th NHL goal!