When the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals last met for New York’s home finale last season, tensions were through the roof. Tom Wilson had run amok the previous game, injuring Artemiy Panarin and knocking him out for the remainder of the season. A line brawl kicked off the festivities immediately after the opening faceoff, and three more happened within the first five minutes of game action.
Whether that game was the breaking point for what transpired over the offseason will never truly be known, but the Blueshirts underwent an offseason makeover to become a heavier team. Now the heaviest team in the NHL, Gerard Gallant will look to use tonight’s contest as a way for his team to establish their identity in his first game behind New York’s bench.