By IRA PODELL
AP Sports Writer

GREENBURGH, N.Y. – It doesn’t get much closer than this.

Through six games of their NHL Eastern Conference semifinal series, the seventh-seeded Washington Capitals and the No. 1 New York Rangers have alternated wins and losses, and have been tied or within one goal 90 percent of the time. The club that has scored first has won every game in the matchup, and since New York’s 3-1 victory in the opener, the next five games have been decided by one goal – including two that went to overtime.

So when these teams face off once more Saturday at Madison Square Garden in Game 7, it is hardly a stretch to figure that the Caps and Rangers will stage another nail-biter.

Whoever prevails will face the well-rested New Jersey Devils in the East finals.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)