Smits' New York Rangers Lose to Washington Capitals in NHL Game

Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits and his club, the New York Rangers, suffered a defeat on Friday in the National Hockey League (NHL), North America's top professional ice hockey league. In an away game, the Rangers lost 3-1 (1-0, 0-2, 0-1) to the Washington Capitals. The source does not give either team's full win-loss record.

Smits spent 14 minutes and 24 seconds on the ice, took one shot on goal and delivered two hits. His plus/minus rating for the game was -1.

How the game unfolded

Aleksis Lafreniere put the visiting Rangers ahead in the middle of the first period. In the second period the hosts turned the game around, with goals from Timothy Liljegren and Boone Jenner. It was Jenner's first goal for the Capitals. With one second left before the end of regulation, Tom Wilson sent the puck into the Rangers' empty net, sealing Washington's win.

Standings

In the NHL's Eastern Conference standings, the Rangers still hold first place with eight points after six games. The Capitals are fifth with six points from four games.