Washington or Boston?
The Rangers have all but clinched a playoff berth for this season, holding a seven point lead on ninth place Carolina with seven games to play. As the #7 seed, the Rangers would face off against Washington, and the dangerous Alexander’s. If they somehow catch the Montreal Canadiens, who they trail by two points, then they would get the Boston Bruins and Tim Thomas. Both matchups will be tough matchups, with each team bringing their own strengths and weaknesses to the table.
In Washington, the Rangers would get a team that has disappointed for several years in the playoffs. Last year’s President’s Trophy winners had an early exit, as did all of the teams before. This year is different though. Trading for Scott Hannan and Dennis Wideman solidified their defense, which has been a question mark for all these years, and the acquisition of Jason Arnott has filled a leadership void as someone who has wont he Cup before, and knows what it takes to win. This team is more balanced on offense and on defense, and has a good goaltending tandem in net in Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth. One thing in the playoffs is true, and it is that past year’s successes and failures don’t mean anything.
As for Boston, they have the likely Vezina winner in net, which is all you need to say about them. Boston’s +48 goal differential is a testament to their goaltending and defense, both of which have been stellar all year. They have balanced scoring, with six players over 40 points, and a dangerous powerplay with both Zdeno Chara and Tomas Kaberle on the point. They just lit up Montreal last night for seven goals, and have shown that they are capable of putting pucks in the net.
Both teams pose different threats to the Rangers, but both are teams that the Rangers can and have beat this season. Personally, I would prefer to play Boston, if only because this year’s Caps team scares me because of the balance. Boston seems slightly more flawed, as they don’t have the superstar scorer(s), but they play a solid team game. Boston also plays a grinding game, which I think plays more towards the Rangers strengths. So I leave it to you, who would you rather face in the first round?
By Jason M., March 25, 2011 @ 11:09 am
Very tough question. There are many factors to take into consideration when determining who would be the more favorable opponent for the Rangers. Obviously, 7-0 and 6-0 wins over the Caps stand out, however, one of those wins came during the midst of the Caps’ long losing streak, during which they looked like absolute garbage. Also, there is the gritty, grind-it-out win against the Caps in Washington, where the Rangers fought back, forced OT, and eventually won in the SO. The games against the Bruins this year have been very hard-fought, intense, and close. But in reality, these games during the regular season don’t mean too much once the playoffs start. I like the idea of playing against Neuvirth/Varlamov as opposed to Thomas. It is comforting knowing that whichever goalie is in the opposing net, we have the King, and the Rangers can only go as far as Hank takes them. It would certainly be sweet redemption to go into Washington and beat them, considering the 3 games to 1 handle we had on that series two years ago. But, let’s first clinch a playoff spot, then we can speculate on potential opponents.
Last night’s loss was a shot in the sack…but getting 1 point softens the blow.
By RangerSmurf, March 25, 2011 @ 11:12 am
I’d rather Boston. Thomas, for all his Vezina credentials, has come back to earth (.913 sv% since Jan 29th). Their defense allows a ton of shots, 2nd most in the league behind Carolina. (though quality and score effects are a question I don’t have an answer to) Their special teams is under 100% combined (PP% + PK%), which is below average.
Yes, they’re coming off an impressive win, but I think they’re certainly the weaker team.
By ZDT, March 25, 2011 @ 1:35 pm
Caps, then we can look forward to a 4 game sweep with scores of 4-0, 6-0, 3-0 and 7-0. And be nice and rested for the 2nd round.
….in my dreams.