The New York Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals 2–1.
Kaapo Kakko returned to the ice of Madison Square Garden on Sunday. AOP / USA TODAY Sports
Kaapo Kako returned from his 20-game injury layoff when the NY Rangers host the Washington Capitals on Sunday. The sophomore injured his leg in a wing scramble in a game against the Buffalo Sabers at the end of November.
The Rangers beat the Capitals 2–1 to snap their four-game losing streak. Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere scored Rangers’ goals, TJ Oshie Capitals goal.
– We knew that we could play better than the previous few matches showed, Lafreniere commented on the NHL’s website.
– We played better now. We were better on the defensive end.
Kako’s statistics included just over 16 minutes of ice time, 21 substitutions and two shots. His season haul is significantly lower than expected: 21 matches, three (2+1) points.
The Rangers lead their division. The position in the Eastern Conference is third and in the entire league sixth.