Eastern Conference Playoff Preview: Capitals Vs. Rangers

Mar. 24, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) takes a shot on New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during overtime at Madison Square Garden. Washington won in a shootout, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Washington Capitals Vs. #6 New York Rangers

Regular Season Series

Sun. Feb 17 – 2-1 Rangers

Sun. Mar. 10 – 4-1 Rangers

Sun. Mar. 24 – 3-2 SO Capitals

Series Schedule

Thursday May 2 in Washington, 7:30 PM

Saturday May 4 in Washington, 12:30 PM

Monday May 6 in New York, 7:30 PM

Wednesday May 8 in New York, 7:30 PM

Friday May 10 in Washington, 7:30 PM

Sunday May 12 in New York, TBD

Monday May 13 in Washington, TBD

Capitals

Season Record 27-18-3, 57 points, +19 goal differential, 15-8-1 home record, 12-10-2 road record, 8-1-1 in last 10

The Washington Capitals were solidly out of the playoff picture in mid March until their Captain led the team to one of the most impressive playoff sprints this season. Alex Ovechkin earned himself the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for most goals as he boosted his team to the top spot in the Southeast Conference and home ice advantage for the postseason. They are one of the few teams that are on fire going into the playoffs and have the ability to make a deep run if they keep up their follow-the-leader playing style.

Top Scorer – Alex Ovechkin, 56 points (32G, 24A)

Starting Goaltender – Braden Holtby, 2.58 GAA, .920 save percentage

Rangers

Season Record 26-18-4, 56 points, +18, 16-6-2 home record, 10-12-2 road record, 7-3-0 in last 10

The New York Rangers staggered into the season after a letdown year last year when many had them pegged to go all the way to fight for the Cup. After a pretty rocky season, they managed to pull themselves together and now resemble last years’ team with strong goaltending and defense. Their trade with Columbus for Rick Nash has paid off as he’s one of the team’s top goal scorers. They could cause a lot of trouble for any opponent as long as their team game holds up.

Top Scorers – Derek Stepan, 44 points (18G, 26A), Rick Nash 42 points (21G, 21A)

Starting Goaltender – Henrik Lundqvist, 2.05 GAA, .926 save percentage

Notes

Both teams are hot going into the post season which promises to be one of the more action packed series of the playoffs.

The Capitals and Rangers faced off last year in the second round of the playoffs where the Rangers pulled off a victory on home ice in the 7th game.

Prediction – The Capitals will win the series in game 7. I’m really hoping to see something similar to last year because that was a spectacular series! But this time, the Caps have home ice advantage and will make it count. It will be another close series where Washington narrowly wins it in the end.

Do you think it will be another close series between the Capitals and Rangers?

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