The Washington Capitals are desperately trying to save their season today as they attempt to avoid going down 3-0 in the series. This showed when Tom Wilson tried to engage with Rangers tough guy Matt Rempe, but the rookie simply shrugged him off.
Earlier this season, Rempe probably would have dropped the gloves with Wilson. Given his size advantage, he probably would have done pretty well too. However, he has since learned to pick and choose his spots. Clearly, this was not a good time for him to fight Wilson.
Wilson and the rest of the Capitals were especially upset with Rempe after a first-period hit on Trevor Van Riemsdyk. The Rangers rookie was called for interference on the play, but Van Riemsdyk was injured. The team would later announce that he would not return to the game.
Rempe's called for interference for this hit on TvR
Furthermore, the rangers had already built a lead in the game, thanks to a short-handed tally from Barclay Goodrow. This made the game 2-1, the same score when Wilson tried to engage with Rempe.