Wednesday’s Three Stars: Capitals hold on for 2-1 win, force Game 7

No. 1 Star: Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals

Behind Holtby's 31 saves, the Capitals were able to stave off elimination with a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers and force Game 7 on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The 22-year old improved to 6-0 in the playoffs coming off a defeat.

No. 2 Star: Jason Chimera, Washington Capitals

Chimera's fourth goal of the playoffs midway through the second period ended up as the game-winner:

No. 3 Star: Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

Ovechkin opened the scoring 88 seconds into the game with his fifth of the postseason. It was his 30th career goal in the playoffs, tying him for the Capitals franchise record with Peter Bondra. Ovechkin came close to a goal of the year candidate in the third period almost scoring from the seat of his pants.

Honorable mention: For the second time this series, the Capitals won a game after losing the previous one in overtime. They're 4-0 doing so in the playoffs ... Nicklas Backstrom set up both Washington goals ... The Capitals are 7-1 when scoring first ... Via the AP, Washington has won seven of their past eight home games against the Rangers.

Conn Smythe Watch: 1. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings; 2. Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes; 3. Brad Richards, New York Rangers; 4. Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils; 5. Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals; 6. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers; 7. Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings; 8. Travis Zajac, New Jersey Devils; 9. Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings; 10. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phoenix Coyotes

Dishonorable mention: The Rangers failed to cut the Capitals' lead to a goal after not scoring on a double-minor midway through the second period ... New York was 0-for-5 on the power play.