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Video: Rangers take over Metropolitan Division lead after defeating Capitals

New York Rangers v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: Jason Chimera #25 of the Washington Capitals along with Carl Hagelin #62 and J.T. Miller #10 of the New York Rangers are seperated during the first period at Verizon Center on March 11, 2015 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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The New York Rangers are surging, and serving notice to the rest of the Eastern Conference.

Playing for the second time in as many nights, and third time in four nights, the Rangers defeated the Washington Capitals by a final score of 3-1 on Wednesday’s Rivalry Night, with Martin St. Louis scoring the insurance goal on a pretty two-on-none passing play late in the third period.

After making it to last year’s Stanley Cup Final, the Rangers have now taken over top spot in the Metropolitan Division. They lead the New York Islanders by one point. As difficult as their schedule has been to start this month -- games against Nashville, Detroit, Chicago, New York Islanders and Washington -- the Rangers have won four of those five games.

Even with Henrik Lundqvist out since Feb. 2, and he still has yet to be medically cleared, the Rangers have succeeded, and the play of Cam Talbot has been a large reason as to why. With his team ahead of the Capitals by a goal early in the second period, and trying to kill off a five-on-three situation, Talbot made a spectacular glove save on Nicklas Backstrom.

Alex Ovechkin scored goal No. 45 on the season, getting the Capitals on the board during a first-period power play.

Rangers defenseman Kevin Klein headed down the tunnel at the Rangers bench with less than a minute remaining, and appeared to be favoring his shoulder.

Capitals winger Jay Beagle sustained upper-body injury, did not return and will be re-evaluated tomorrow, according to the Capitals’ public relations department.

Updated: The Rangers stated that Klein is having x-rays taken after blocking a shot late in the game, however there is no further update.

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