Well today is an interesting day is it not? It’s the opening playoff game day and the first playoff game day starting at home in, oh, only about 15 years…. Let’s hit the musings.

My initial thought as I considered tonight’s game was that I wanted to see the Rangers come out strong, dominate and dictate the tempo. Play their game. If they can do that then force themselves on to Ottawa early it will bode well.

Rangers come in to the series losing two in a row. Ottawa have lost three in a row. Not ideal situations for either team even if the circumstances were different.

I’ve written 107 words before I typed Chris Kreider. That’s impressive, no? I loved listening to him talking to the media. He came across as focussed, within himself and knew how to answer certain questions. He didn’t commit or promise the earth. In all Kreider came across as a mature young man and if he’s mentally ready to go a long with his NHL ready body he could be a great addition.

More on Kreider: I, like Dave, think he plays. I think he’s a player Ottawa won’t have been able to plan for like they can the rest of the Rangers and while they may have seen Frozen Four footage or from the WJC he’s certainly more of a closed book. Could that be an edge?

If I had to pick my round one playoff MVP I’m going with the captain; Mr Callahan. There won’t be a facet of the game in this series that he doesn’t have an influence on.

Of all the other Eastern Series I worry the most for the Panthers and I fear the Bruins more than the Pens based on one thing: There’s a very good chance the Pens (if they even advance at all) get a royal beat down in that series – playoff grind.

I started writing this Wednesday night. I then started watching the Pens game. After the first period I went to bed. It was almost 2 am and I didn’t want to watch the inevitable, at 3-0. Consider me stunned (and highly amused) when I woke to see the final score.

I don’t think the Rangers PP needs to be great to beat the Sens. I do think the penalty kill does however. It’s far more crucial given Spezza and Karlsson’s presence.

Wager Time: I have a Canadian friend I met in New York in November. He’s a Canuck and we have a pretty cool wager: Whoever’s team goes the deepest; the loser must buy the winner an expensive bottle of whisky. Is my faith in the Rangers over the ‘Nucks misplaced? No. I’ve requested a bottle of Blue Label and after the Canucks loss in game one I’m highly excited for my prize!

Why does Torts always have to have an edge in his interviews? I mean, the club just signed a big prospect for the playoffs. I appreciate he wants to avoid distractions, expectations kept to a minimum but one or two short questions isn’t unreasonable. I love Torts for so many reasons but sometimes he’s a little too cranky.

I’m hard on him a lot but I really hope to see a strong response from Dubinsky after his regular season. First of all he needs a great playoff if he’s to remain a Ranger but secondly, an in form Dubinsky makes a deep playoff run much more realistic.

Questions:

  • Which center will score more: Brad Richards or Jason Spezza?
  • How many points will Erik Karlsson score in the series?
  • Which NHL player (either conference) will lead the playoffs in scoring?
  • How many games will it take for Chris Kreider to get his chance?
  • Cheeky one: Who scores more playoff points this year; Kreider or Dubinsky?

I couldn’t be more excited for tonight’s game one. The playoff atmosphere will be off the charts.

Prediction Time: Rangers 3 Senators 1.

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