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Rangers seeking revenge vs. Ovechkin, Capitals

Jan 3, 2009 - 11:19 AM NY Rangers (23-13-3) at Washington (25-11-3), 7:00 pm EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals sent the New York Rangers into their Christmas break with a bad taste in their mouths.

The Rangers will look to repay the favor when they visit the reigning Hart Trophy winner and the Capitals on Saturday.

New York was dealt an embarrassing loss at Madison Square Garden the last time these clubs met on December 23, squandering a four-goal lead en route to a 5-4 overtime loss to Washington, which used the comeback to start a five-game winning streak.

"I will try not to let this ruin my Christmas," Rangers captain Chris Drury said after the setback. "There are 23 or 24 teams that would be dying to have our record and all of the points we have accumulated."

"You have to forget about it and let this one go, it is that bad of a loss," added Scott Gomez, who was celebrating his 29th birthday. "You have to throw it out right away."

Ovechkin netted a pair of goals and set up another while defenseman Shaone Morrisonn's first tally of the season proved to be the game-winner for the Capitals, who have won 10 of their last 11 contests and continue to pull away in the Southeast Division.

The 23-year-old Ovechkin continues to fuel Washington's offensive attack, leading the team with 26 goals and 52 points. The Russian left wing notched a goal and two assists in Thursday's 7-4 triumph over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

New York should be well-rested, having played just two games since the loss to the Capitals.

Gomez scored a goal and setup another and Drury and Brandon Dubinsky each recorded two assists in Monday's 5-4 win over the New York Islanders that snapped the Rangers' three-game skid.