Will Cuylle's Hat Trick Fuels Rangers' Rout of Capitals

New York crushes Washington 8-1 as young forward's milestone sparks team-wide effort

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:06am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, representing the dynamic action and energy of a hockey game.A cubist interpretation of the Rangers' dominant performance, capturing the energy and intensity of the game through fragmented geometric shapes.NYC Today

In a lopsided 8-1 win over the Washington Capitals, the New York Rangers were led by 21-year-old forward Will Cuylle's first career NHL hat trick. The victory, which came despite the Rangers already being eliminated from playoff contention, showcased the team's ability to stay motivated and develop young talent even with the postseason out of reach.

Why it matters

The game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams - the Rangers, playing with freedom and confidence, versus the Capitals, who are struggling to maintain their playoff push as the season winds down. It raises questions about how teams manage late-season games when the stakes are lower, and the importance of cultivating a winning culture even in a losing season.

The details

Cuylle's hat trick bookended a dominant performance by the Rangers, who also got goals from Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, and others. The Capitals, meanwhile, were plagued by defensive lapses, undisciplined play, and an inability to generate consistent offense against a hungry Rangers squad.

  • The Rangers scored four goals in the second period to blow the game open.
  • Cuylle completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal in the final minute of the game.

The players

Will Cuylle

A 21-year-old forward for the New York Rangers who scored his first career NHL hat trick in the game.

Adam Fox

The Rangers' star defenseman, who also scored a goal in the rout.

Mika Zibanejad

The Rangers' top-line center, who contributed a goal and an assist.

Igor Shesterkin

The Rangers' star goaltender, who made 27 saves in the win.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are currently clinging to a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race, but this loss was a setback in their push to secure a postseason berth.

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What they’re saying

“It's a big deal not just for Will, but for our whole team. When a young guy like that gets rewarded, it energizes the whole bench.”

— Gerard Gallant, Head Coach, New York Rangers

“We just didn't have the gas tonight. We've been fighting so hard to get back into this, and it's frustrating to see it slip away like this.”

— Peter Laviolette, Head Coach, Washington Capitals

What’s next

The Capitals have four games remaining in the regular season as they try to hold onto their wild card spot. The Rangers, meanwhile, will look to finish the season strong and build momentum for next year.

The takeaway

This game showcased the contrasting approaches of two teams in very different situations - the Rangers, playing with freedom and developing young talent, versus the Capitals, struggling to maintain their late-season playoff push. It underscores the importance of cultivating a winning culture and identity, even when the postseason is out of reach.