Burakovsky surprises with 2 goals as Capitals push Rangers to brink in Game 4

Rookie forward Andre Burakovsky was the unlikely hero for the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, scoring a pair of goals to lift Washington to a 2-1 victory in Game 4 of their second-round series against the New York Rangers.

The win gives the Capitals a 3-1 stranglehold on the series, pushing the Rangers to the brink of elimination as the series shifts back to New York.

Star Performer: Burakovsky did not score in his first seven playoff appearances, but he was the difference Wednesday after Derick Brassard opened the scoring for the Rangers. He tied the game late in the second period and put Washington ahead early in the third.

Turning Point: Rangers forward Carl Hagelin was awarded a penalty shot after he was brought down on a breakaway, but Braden Holtby robbed him with a glove save on the ensuing opportunity, stifling New York's best chance to score in the final 20 mintues.

Goalie Comparison: Holtby once again gained the upper hand on Henrik Lundqvist, who played well, but not well enough to steal the win. Lundqvist made a number of high-quality saves to keep the score close after Washington pulled ahead, but he didn't get much help from the Rangers' offense.

Top Highlight: Burakovsky capitalized on a turnover by Ryan McDonagh to score his second goal of the contest. He cut towards Lundqvist from the side boards and did a head-fake to the short side before lifting a backhand in to give the Capitals the lead.

Stat of the Night: Holtby stopped 58-of-59 shots over Washington's two home games.

Series at a glance:

Game 1: Capitals 2, Rangers 1
Game 2: Rangers 3, Capitals 2
Game 3: Capitals 1, Rangers 0
Game 4: Capitals 2, Rangers 1
Game 5: Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. ET
*Game 6: Sunday, May 10, TBD
*Game 7: Wednesday, May 13, TBD

*If necessary