Gameday: vs. NY Rangers, Apr. 23 - Round One, Game Five

Michal Neuvirth has been stellar so far, along with MoJo.

The Washington Capitals will welcome the New York Rangers to Verizon Center this afternoon for game five of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.  The Caps currently lead the series three games to one, having won games one, two, and four; game four's win came deep into a second overtime period with a goal from Jason Chimera.  That win was critical because Washington trailed 3-0 after 2 periods, but battled back in a tough building and a great defensive team to steal a win.  With tonight's game, the Caps have a chance to close out the series on home ice, something that they (and their fans) really want to see.

Unless you've been under a rock while watching this series (is that even possible?), you know that Henrik Lundqvist has been an absolute rock for the Rangers.  To that end, he will receive his 31st consecutive start in goal tonight for John Tortorella's side; Lunqvist has allowed eleven goals in four games so far. On the injury front, alternate captain Ryan Callahan is still on crutches because of his broken leg and obviously will not play tonight.  Steve Eminger will be the healthy scratch, as he has been all series.

For the Capitals, Michal Neuvirth will receive the start in goal for the fifth game in a row from Bruce Boudreau.  Neuvrith has held the Capitals in games brilliantly all series, and has allowed seven goals in the four games he has started.  Outside the crease, Mike Knuble, Dennis Wideman, and Tom Poti will all miss tonight's game with a hand injury, hematoma, and a pulled groin, respectively.  As such, it is expected that the lineup will remain the same for game five, which means that Tyler Sloan, Sean Collins, Jay Beagle, and DJ King will be healthy scratches.

Puck drops for this one 3:12-ish due to all of the NBC hoopla.  As there are no morning skates tomorrow because of the early start time, updates will come via Twitter all morning.  Do join me.