In the second game of their first-round playoff series, the New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3, taking a 2-0 lead. However, a controversial hit by Rangers forward Artemi Panarin on Capitals forward T.J. Oshie overshadowed the Rangers’ victory.
Midway through the third period, Panarin hit Oshie high as he was going in for a check, sending Oshie to the ice. The Capitals’ athletic trainer came out to check on Oshie, and the concussion spotter removed him from the game.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery expressed confusion after the game, stating that he was told the hit was not a minor penalty. Carbery questioned the decision, citing the fact that the concussion spotter had removed Oshie from the game, which usually indicates contact with the head.
The referees reviewed the hit but did not issue a penalty to Panarin. This decision led to retaliation from Capitals forward Connor McMichael, who went after Panarin and ended up being penalized.
Tom Wilson, a Capitals player known for his physical play, also took issue with the hit, stating that Panarin seemed to be targeting Oshie, who was in a vulnerable position.
Despite the controversy surrounding the hit, the Rangers managed to hold on to their lead and take Game 2. The series will now shift to Washington, D.C., where the Capitals will host the Rangers in Game 3 on Friday.
