After last years debacle in which the Rangers failed to make the playoffs by losing in a shootout on the last day of the season, again Ranger fans had to wait until the final day to see if they would be cheering on the blueshirts in the playoffs. The Rangers backed their way into the playoffs after a crazy final week of the season in which they became fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they needed a Lighting win over Carolina to gain the 8th and final spot.
With the 8th seed comes a first round match up with No.1 seed Washington Capitals. The Rangers are familiar with the Capitals and have taken 3 out of 4 of the season series, including a 6-0 win at the Garden on Dec 12th, and a Feb 25th 7-0 domination at the Verizon Center in DC. The Capitals have transformed into a different team since these two teams last met. They made some trades at the deadline and Coach Bruce Boudreau has adapted to a more defensive style of play. Although they are the 1 seed, the Capitals still have some questions. They're starting rookie Michael Neuvirth in goal has only has 64 career NHL games under his belt and his making his playoff debut. Also in question is the struggling Alex Ovechkin. Although he finished with 32 goals, which would be a great season for anyone else, Ovechkin is held to a higher standard. Boudreau gave Ovechkin some rest during the season during his struggles, which may benefit him now in the playoffs.
Keys to the series:
Goaltender match up:
Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has started the last 26 games in a row. We all now he is a workhorse, but with having to fight until the last day to make the playoffs, will Lundqvist be tired during the playoffs. The Capitals are starting rookie Michael Neurvirth, who has played well but is untested in the playoffs.
The edge here goes to the Rangers, and they will need Lundqvist to stand on his head a few times if they want to win the series.
Keeping Ovechkin Quiet:
Although Ovechkin only had 32 goals and 0 against the Rangers during the season series, he loves playoff time. If Ovechkin is skating hard and finishing his checks, the Rangers could be in trouble. They won't hold him off the score sheet, but the less Ovechkin has an effect on the game, the better the Rangers chances.
Rangers Power play:
The power play is 1-27 in the last 9 games and the one goal came on a 5on3 by Bryan McCabe. The former Islander will need to help out the blueshirts with his heavy shot from the point and hope to get some shots on net to test Neuvirth and to hope for some juicy rebounds.
Prediction: Capitals in 7
Lundqvist will steal a game or two, but the Capitals and Ovechkin will be too much in the end for the Rangers to handle. Both teams are pretty even, that's why it should go 7, but the Capitals should come out in the end. This will be a physical and exciting series, and if Lundqvist makes a save here or there in game 7, it could go in the Rangers favor.
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