Washington, DC – Brian Boyle and Ryan Callahan scored 41 seconds apart in the second period, as the visiting New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals, 4-1.
Brad Richards and Derek Stepan supplied the other goals for the Rangers, who have won five of their last six games. Seldom-used backup Martin Biron made 28 saves.
"We get him in a game, he wins us the game, plus it gives (Henrik Lundqvist) a day off, plus a full day off tomorrow. Really happy how it played out here," New York head coach John Tortorella said about Biron.
Braden Holtby was pulled after allowing three New York goals on 19 shots. Michal Neuvirth finished with 10 saves in relief.
The loss snapped Washington's four-game winning streak at Verizon Center.
Boyle snapped a 1-1 tie at 10:53 of the middle stanza with his first goal of the season.
On a delayed penalty, Boyle fired a slap shot from atop the left circle past Holtby before the Capitals were able to gain possession of the puck for the whistle to be blown.
Washington captain Alex Ovechkin was actually going to be assessed two penalties and the tally wiped out one of the infractions.
The Rangers converted on the ensuing power play at 11:34. Michael Del Zotto fed Rick Nash for a one-timer from the right circle that deflected in off Callahan, who was providing a screen in front of Holtby.
Richards beat Neuvirth with 1:12 to play in the third period.
The Capitals jumped out to an early lead, but the Rangers responded later in the first period on a goal by Stepan.
Steve Oleksy put Washington on the board, as his shot from the right point found its way behind Biron 2:16 into the contest for his first NHL goal.
"To get that one out of the way helps a lot, but at the end of the day we were looking for two points and we were unable to get that," Oleksy said.
New York pulled even when Stepan banked a backhander from below the icing line in off Holtby's right skate at 11:31.
Game Notes
Nash, Ryan McDonagh and Carl Hagelin each had two assists ... The Rangers are 3-1-1 in their last five road games ... Washington was 0-for-3 on the power play.
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