In two of the past three seasons, the Washington Capitals have ended the Rangers' season. In 2008-09, it took the Caps seven games to prevail over New York. Last spring, they dispatched with New York in five games. So, the Rangers will have some extra motivation heading into today's opener, but unlike the previous two series, they will also be favored in this one.
Washington had a disappointing regular season. They barely made the playoffs and their superstar, Alex Ovechkin, had a down season, netting only 65 points while playing to a -8. But, a late season goalie change sparked Washington and their 22-year old netminder, Braden Holtby, was instrumental in their first round upset over Boston by stopping 94% of the shots he faced.
The Rangers are familiar with facing a hot goaltender, having just survived against Ottawa's Craig Anderson and they have their own hot goaltender and Hart Trophy nominee, Henrik Lundqvist. New York should also have Brian Boyle back in the lineup, giving Coach John Tortorella some tough lineup choices with the emergence of Chris Kreider in the second half of the Ottawa series. Add it all up and the Rangers will be making their first trip to the Conference Finals in 15 years.
