Takeaways: Deflated Capitals Fall Flat In Game 3, Pushed To Brink Of Elimination By Rangers

WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals left the ice at Capital One Arena deflated and defeated on Friday, as the return of playoff hockey to D.C. is at risk of coming to a swift end with their backs officially against the wall and a potential sweep looming.

A questionable hit by Matt Rempe took quite a bit of air out of the building, and from there, it was all Rangers in a 3-1 loss in Game 3.

Here are the takeaways from the defeat, which pushes D.C. to the brink of elimination as it goes down 3-0 in the series.

Capitals Can't Get Solve Shesterkin, Urgency Lacking At Times

The Capitals opened the scoring for the second consecutive game, with John Carlson lobbing a shot on goal that made it past Igor Shesterkin. However, seconds later, the team would surrender the game-tying goal, as Chris Kreider redirected home a shot from the point to make it 1-1.

From that point on, Washington's offense struggled to get much going, and there also wasn't a lot of urgency. D.C. got a couple of good looks, but the team lost the physical battle and were outdone by New York, plain and simple, as the Rangers made the most of their time and space, sustained pressure and won fights and races for the puck.

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Though the Capitals got a couple of good looks and ultimately outshot New York, it wasn't enough to solve a red-hot Igor Shesterkin. The team also failed to convert on any of its six power-play chances.

A late penalty on Beck Malenstyn also halted a full comeback attempt.

Special Teams Costly Again For Capitals

Washington again lost the special teams battle, and it proved costly in the loss.

The Capitals' offense failed to get much going, and the power play not only went 0-for-6 but also allowed a shorthanded goal for the second consecutive game as Barclay Goodrow jumped on a loose puck and then went to the net, where he picked up a pass and scored on a semi-breakaway.

Washington is 2-for-15 on the man advantage through three games, and the penalty kill is operating at 75 percent after allowing PPGs in back-to-back games.

Meanwhile, New York went 1-for-2, as Vincent Trocheck gave his team a comfortable two-goal lead in the second period after easily getting open at the front of the net to finish off a picture-perfect passing play.

Capitals Lose Trevor van Riemsdyk To Injury, Tempers Start To Flare

Washington also lost another defenseman to injury, as Trevor van Riemsdyk left Friday's contest in the first period after taking a high hit to the head from Matt Rempe.

Van Riemsdyk went behind the net to play the puck back and barely turned around before Rempe charged in for a big hit, landing his feet and catching Van Riemsdyk in the head with his elbow or shoulder. Van Riemsdyk immediately went down the tunnel, and Rempe received a two-minute penalty for interference.

Related: Trevor Van Riemsdyk Leaves Capitals-Rangers After Big Hit To Head By Matt Rempe

It is the fourth time since April 7 that the Capitals have lost one of their defensemen on a big check, as Rasmus Sandin, Nick Jensen and Vincent Iorio are all still recovering from injuries suffered on hits.

Meanwhile, tempers started to flare throughout the game, with Tom Wilson getting in Rempe's face and appearing to challenge him to a fight, though Rempe declined with his team leading. Wilson also exchanged words with Ryan Lindgren.

It set up what should be an intense Game 4 as D.C. looks to stave off elimination and live to see another day.