Rangers have memorable weekend with back-to-back first hat tricks, 2 dominant wins

NEW YORK —  The New York Rangers aren’t going to play postseason games this year. This weekend, they tried to make sure a couple of other teams won’t, either.Both of New York’s opponents this weekend — the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday and the Washington Capitals on Sunday — were teams fighting for the remaining Eastern Conference playoff spots. The Rangers beat both handily, especially the Capitals. New York erupted for five goals (as well as two fights) in the second period against Washington, propelling it to an 8-1 win.Advertisement