With a 3-1 loss to the Capitals on Thursday night, the Rangers did not get off on the right skate in their opening-round playoff series. This is the third consecutive season -- and the fourth in the last five -- the two teams have met in the playoffs. Washington has won two of the previous three meetings.
After weathering an early storm, the Rangers took 1-0 lead on Carl Hagelin's wraparound goal. They had chances, including a Hagelin breakaway and a 5-on-3 power play, to add to that lead, but they didn't. Then the Capitals scored three goals in the second period, including two 46 seconds apart, to take control. Game 2 is Saturday.
Reasons for optimism:
1. Henrik Lundqvist is still an elite goalie. He let in a soft goal on Thursday but was otherwise fine. If not for his performance in the first period, the Rangers might have been blown out. After a slow (for him) start to the lockout-shortened season, the Swede looked like he did in last season's sparkling campaign. Not giving a second thought to goalkeeping is a luxury not all teams have come playoff time.
2. Trade deadline revamping has helped the Rangers. From the April 3 deadline through the end of the regular season, the Rangers led the NHL in scoring with 3.6 goals per game. They went 10-3-1 in April. Derrick Brassard, John Moore and Ryane Clowe all stepped in almost seamlessly (though Clowe is now injured). Moore has proved valuable as a trusty defenseman, and Brassard and Clowe helped add some badly needed depth to the Rangers' forward lines. The return of Mats Zuccarello, signed as a free agent, also added punch, especially on the power play.
3. Rick Nash is the scorer the Rangers have not had in recent seasons. He is a unique player, and his teammates likely took some time to adjust to his skillset. But the team looks comfortable now, and Nash led the Rangers with 21 goals. Only the underappreciated Derek Stepan had more points -- 44 to Nash's 42. Nash had all eight of his shots stopped in Game 1, however.
Reasons for pessimism:
1. Alexander Ovechkin has rediscovered his form and scored the Capitals' first goal Thursday night. He led the league in goals this season despite switching from the left wing to the right wing. Some say marrying Russian tennis star Maria Kirilenko helped, but never overlook the coaching of Adam Oates. Last year, Dale Hunter neutered Ovechkin in the series by keeping him off the ice, and the Russian star scored only three goals. The Rangers would take that total in a heartbeat.
2. Injuries affect every team, but the Rangers have two critical ones and another secondary one. Marc Staal, out since March with an eye injury, may return for this series, but he may not. Last season, Rangers coach John Tortorella had him on the ice whenever Ovechkin was. This time, that responsibility will likely fall to Ryan McDonagh, who is no slouch. Clowe's injury taxes their offensive depth. Brian Boyle is also out, but he's been reduced to winning face-offs.
A month ago, few would have though the Rangers capable of making a serious playoff run. But they avoided the top-seeded Penguins and improved their standing. Remember what the Devils were seeded when they made the Stanley Cup finals last season? Sixth.
