The NHL playoffs are into the second round and the New York Rangers will start their series against the Boston Bruins on Thursday night, as two Original Six teams face off in the postseason for the first time since the 1970s.
Back in the day the rivalry was fierce, but division splits have kept the two apart until now and it should be a hard fought series, as both had to play to a Game 7 in the first round with the Rangers besting the Caps and the Bruins defeating the spunky Toronto Maple Leafs with an amazing comeback of three goals in the third period. The Rangers hadn't won a game on the road in the playoffs were emerging with the victory in Game 7 and goalie Henrik Lundqvist was the biggest reason why, as he posted back to back shutouts.
The Rangers had issues scoring all series after getting the first goal in the first game, as they lost 3-1 in Game 1 and did not score again until Game 3, as they lost 1-0 in overtime in Game 2 on a goal from Mike Green. The team bounced back with 4-3 wins in both Games 3 and 4 at home at MSG and then the teams went back and forth again before Game 7.
The Rangers did an excellent job of shutting down Alex Ovechkin in the series and they will need to do the same on Dave Krejci, as he led the team in points, goals and assists, including a hat trick in one game against the Leafs. The Rangers had the same thing happen, as new acquisition in the Gaborik trade form the blue Jackets Derek Brassard has been clutch, notching nine points, two goals and seven assists to lead the team. The rangers got five goals from five different players in the Game 7 win, but to win this series they will need much better play from Brad Richards and Rick Nash.
The scoring issue has always been one that the Rangers have dealt with, but after getting through the Caps series and blowing up with five goals at the end, perhaps there will be some carry over. Lundqvist showed why he is one of the best goaltenders in the league with his back to back shutouts and the Rangers need him at his best again to win. The Sharks and Kings will play game 2 after LA won game 1 and the Sharks will be looking to even things up as Mike Richards and company go for their second championship in a row.
