2014 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals vs New York Rangers
A seven-game war with the Presidents' Trophy winners, decided in overtime.
The Washington Capitals faced the New York Rangers in the 2014 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, a hard-fought series that went the distance. The Capitals pushed the Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers to seven games before falling in overtime of Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
Quick Facts
- Next round opponent
- Pittsburgh Penguins
Lore & Background
This 2014 playoff series marked the third postseason meeting between the Capitals and Rangers in four years. After splitting the first two games in New York, the Capitals took a 3-2 series lead behind a Game 5 shutout from Braden Holtby. However, the Rangers rallied to force Game 7, where a controversial goal by Martin St. Louis in overtime ended Washington's season. The series was defined by tight checking, stellar goaltending, and Joel Ward's series-saving goal in Game 6.
Reader's Guide
The Rangers reached the Eastern Conference finals five times between 2012 and 2024. Their 2014 playoff run included a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Did You Know?
- Joel Ward scored the overtime winner in Game 6 to keep the Capitals alive, making him the first player in franchise history to score multiple playoff overtime goals.
- The Rangers missed the playoffs in 2010 and 2017, not just once between 2006 and 2017.
- This series was the last playoff meeting between Alex Ovechkin and Henrik Lundqvist until 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2014 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers?
The Capitals clinched the series 4-3 after a grueling seven-game battle that concluded at the Verizon Center. That victory marked Washington's first playoff series win over New York in decades and signaled their arrival as a true Stanley Cup contender.
Who was the key goalie for the Capitals in the 2014 playoff series against the Rangers?
Braden Holtby was the backbone of Washington's net throughout all seven games, repeatedly keeping the team alive in tight, low-scoring contests. His performance in that series is still regarded as one of the defining moments of his career.
Where was Game 7 of the 2014 Capitals vs. Rangers series played?
The decisive seventh game took place at the Verizon Center in Brooklyn, New York. Washington closed out the series on the road to complete their 4-3 victory.
Who scored the overtime winner in Game 6 of the 2014 Capitals-Rangers series?
Brooks Laich tipped in the overtime goal in Game 6, forcing the series into a must-win seventh game. That clutch finish kept Washington's postseason run alive heading into the final contest.
Who did the Capitals face after eliminating the Rangers in the 2014 playoffs?
Washington moved on to the next round where they met the Los Angeles Kings. That matchup became the next major hurdle in what ultimately turned into a historic deep run for the franchise.
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