WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Capitals defeated the New York Rangers 3-1 in an NHL game on October 9, 2026. New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin left the game after playing 28 minutes and 20 seconds.

Shesterkin was carried off the ice with a leg injury. Dylan Garand replaced him in goal for the Rangers and played 29 minutes and 45 seconds.

Alexis Lafrenière scored a power-play goal for the Rangers at 10:17 of the first period, assisted by J.T. Miller and Pavel Dorofeyev. Tim Liljegren scored an even-strength goal for the Capitals at 6:08 of the second period, assisted by Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard.

Liljegren scored his first goal as a Washington Capital during this game, marking his debut with the team after being acquired in a trade. Boone Jenner scored an unassisted even-strength goal for the Capitals at 17:38 of the second period.

Tom Wilson scored an even-strength empty-net goal for the Capitals at 19:59 of the third period, assisted by Vincent Desharnais. Logan Thompson was the goaltender for the Capitals and played the entire 60-minute game.

The Capitals outshot the Rangers 27 to 22. Ryan Leonard, Dylan McIlrath, and Chris Beaudoin were penalized for tripping or hooking during the game, while J.T. Miller, Adam Fox, and Boone Jenner were penalized for high-sticking or hooking.

Thompson was named the first star of the game. Jenner was named the second star, and Liljegren was named the third star.