(1) Washington Capitals
(8) New York Rangers
The Capitals were able to secure top spot in the Eastern Conference after a season that many analysts and fans would call a disappointment and an underachievement for last seasons Presidents Trophy winners. It seemed to have taken the Capitals a little bit longer to adapt to their new more defensive style that is supposed to help this in the playoffs this season, but the team got the hang of it near the end of the season going 19-6-0 in the last 25 games. Ovechkin also seems geared up for the playoffs scoring 8 points in the final 6 games of the season after sitting out a few games to rest up. The Capitals new style should bode well for them throughout this years playoffs as they will hopefully be able to win close games, which they struggled with against the Canadiens last season.
The Rangers snuck into the playoffs in the 8th position after the Hurricanes lost to the Lightning this past Saturday. That being said the Rangers did win their final game, which put them in the position they find themselves in now. New York is a hard nosed hockey club that knows they will have to claw their way to a victory over the Caps. If you ask anyone of them they will likely tell you they are outmatched skill wise in this first round matchup, but they will believe that their heart can take them through this round. The Rangers block a ton of shots and the ones that do get through must beat Henrik Lundqvist who is easily capable of stealing a series.
Capitals Keys To Victory
- Play as a team. Ovechkin cannot try to do everything himself. If they stick to the gameplan and play as a unit as they did in the regular season they will win.
- A top goaltender must emerge. It seems like Neuvirth with get the nod to start the series, but Varlamov and Holtby will be waiting in the wings and will be called upon at any sign of a struggle.
- Don’t give the Rangers any hope. The Caps were up 3-1 against the Habs last season, but they tightened up and did not play their best hockey down the stretch. They cannot allows the Rangers to believe they have a chance in this series.
Rangers Keys To Victory
- Henrik Lundqvist. He will have to steal a couple games (if not four) in order for the Rangers to win the series.
- Marian Gaborik. Did not have a great regular season point wise, but he has the talent to score and the Rangers need him to step up.
The loss of Ryan Callahan really hurts the Rangers chances in this one. He is a much bigger part of this Rangers team than many people give him credit for.
The Capitals should dominate this series from start to finish. New York is lucky to have made the playoffs, but I cannot see them winning many games.
Prediction: Washington Capitals -220
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Tagged with: first round • New York Rangers • NHL Playoffs • Series • Washington Capitals