New York Rangers’ 2010-2011 season ends in Washington D.C.
With their 3-1 loss on Saturday in Washington D.C., the New York Rangers lost their first round playoff series to the conference-winning Capitals, 4-1. The Rangers, who qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the regular season, put up a fight. They held a lead in 3 of the 5 games, but ultimately were no match for a defense-first Capitals team with a hot rookie goalie and an arsenal of offensive weapons. Photos by Avi Gerver, ©Madison Square Garden, L.P.
The Rangers held a number of viewing parties for their away games, including a couple at bars near Madison Square Garden for Games 1 and 2:
I had to put myself on the injured list for Game 3 due to illness, but was back at Madison Square Garden to shoot Game 4, much to the excitement of these fans:
The Capitals’ Jason Arnott, acquired from the New Jersey Devils in February, is a key part of his new team at both ends of the ice. He’s seen here diving to the ice to block a shot late in Game 4:
New York’s Wojtek Wolski checks Washington’s Alexander Semin. The Rangers led the league in hits during the regular season with 2333.
The Rangers’ top defensive line of Marc Staal (#18) and Dan Girardi (#5) flanks Brandon Dubinsky (sporting the ‘stache) and Marian Gaborik in celebration after Dubinsky puts the Rangers up 3-0 in the second period for the last Rangers goal at Madison Square Garden this season.
Washington stormed back in the third period to tie it, and then won the game in double overtime. The heartbreaking loss dropped the Rangers to 3-1 in a series that could have been tied at 2-2 heading to Washington for Game 5.
Until next season….
New York Photographer Blog 
Sorry to all the hard-working NY Rangers fans who’s team they support are now out of the playoffs. But what I personally think the Rangers must do right now for their 2011-12 season is to get rid of Chris Drury in any way possible, then sign Bryan McCabe and make McCabe the “C”. Chris Drury has not only proven to be worthless, but he’s a wimp, and in my opinion the worst Captain in Rangers history! Bryan McCabe is a warrior who plays a smart 2-way game, he blocks shots, has a beautiful slapper from the point, is extremely physical, and is the first to defend his teammates, & fight for his team. Plus, McCabe is the 1st to go out of his way for his teammates and make them feel like they are an important part of his team. But McCabe needs a defensive partner to help him out. I say, sign Brendan Witt. Brendan Witt is the stay-at-home, physical force the Rangers desperatley need on their defense. Witt also is one of the best fighters in the league, so if you want someone to fight for your team, Witt is your man. Now just imagine the defensive pair of Bryan McCabe and Brendan Witt?!?!?!? Wow, McCabe & Witt would be the ultimate dynamic duo on defense, and would be the best role-models for the Rangers young D. Re-signiong McCabe and acquiring Witt are a must!
Go rangers! the game will never end.