The 28-year old Rochester native just completed his sixth full season. The former ’04 fourth round steal is the classic overachiever. Not the most skilled, he squeezes every ounce out of his body. When I watched him play for Team USA in the WJC, I thought he’d be a third line energizer who could kill penalties. Even back then, his work ethic was second to none. My second conclusion was that if he improved, maybe he’d become a second liner. Hindsight is 20/20. 

Callahan has turned himself into a pseudo top line player out of necessity. Playing on a line with homegrown products Derek Stepan and Carl Hagelin, he goes out and takes the body ferociously. He’s frequently our leading hitter and always sacrificing to block shots. The chemistry he has with Stepan is often on display on the penalty kill. The dynamic American duo often outwork opponents and create shorthanded opportunities. Their anticipation is tremendous. The Rangers don’t have any shorthanded goals in the first round series against the Caps. But they’ve had their chances. 

In the series, Stepan has scored twice with his goals in Games 3 and 4 game clinchers that sent it back to Washington tied 2-2. He doesn’t have an assist but has been a consistent performer. Hagelin has been the best of the trio posting two goals and two helpers. He’s been involved physically and has taken advantage of his speed to out-hustle the Caps to loose pucks. Callahan has two assists thus far including one out of sheer effort that allowed Stepan and Hagelin to work a give and go for a highlight reel goal that held up as the winner in a 4-3 Game Four victory. However, he doesn’t have any goals.

During the shortened season, Callahan ranked third with 16 markers- trailing only Rick Nash (21) and Stepan (18). In the series, Nash hasn’t scored either. If you’re top scorers don’t produce in the postseason, it’s usually not a winning formula. Ironically, Alex Ovechkin only has one goal but his team is in position to advance following Mike Ribeiro’s overtime winner yesterday. Like the past three series against Washington, it’s been hard fought. Only one game has been decided by more than a goal. These teams know each other well. The trouble for the Rangers is they don’t have as strong a supporting cast. The Caps’ depth is better with Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer, Jason Chimera and Mathieu Perreault among the notables who have come through. 

The Capitals have a dozen players who have at least a goal including two from rover Mike Green. Everyone else has one. In fact, only four skaters have not registered a point. By comparison, seven Rangers have lit the lamp with Hagelin, Brian Boyle and Stepan sharing the team lead. Given some of their injuries, 14 skaters have recorded a point. However, their blueline pales in comparison. All six Washington defenseman are capable of contributing offensively in first-year coach Adam Oates more aggressive system, similar to the one they played under former coach Bruce Boudreau in ’09. On the Broadway side, they don’t always pinch allowing a dangerous transitional team easier outs to go on the attack. That can be attributed to John Tortorella. Granted. His roster isn’t as talented. But in the playoffs, you have to make the opponent play D. Especially the Caps. When they have, the Rangers have had success. 

There’s more of an emphasis on the Blueshirts’ top players to finish. Even much maligned Brad Richards found the back of the net thanks to some hustle from Taylor Pyatt, allowing him to follow up a Hagelin try into an open net. Callahan is relied upon for goal scoring. Even if he’s not a natural finisher, he must contribute. He’s been too much on the perimeter on the power play. A no no for our leading power play man the past three seasons. Six of his 16 goals came on the man-advantage this year. The last time someone other than Callahan led them in PPG’s, it was ’09-10 when ex-Ranger Marian Gaborik had 14 in his first year in Manhattan. Nash was brought in to add an element. Instead, only three of his team best 21 goals came on it. In fact, his power play numbers were way down the past two seasons with Columbus. He netted six in ’10-11 and ’11-12. He did add 13 power play assists last year. Nash finished with nine power play points (3-6-9) in 44 contests in Year One as a Ranger. 

If two of their best finishers aren’t finding twine, it’s awfully tough for them to win consistently. Nash is playing through an injury. But hasn’t shot the puck well enough. He still leads the Rangers with 19 shots. Most have come from the perimeter. Stepan ranks second with 16 and Callahan right behind with 15. Hagelin has 14. Without Ryane Clowe, there aren’t enough support players who can pick up the slack. As it turns out, the development of Chris Kreider was far more important than Tortorella perceived. He’s been wasted this year, which falls squarely on the coach. 

In a series where goals are at a premium, the Rangers need someone to step up. The likeliest is Callahan, who is fully capable of scoring at crucial moments such as his playoff clincher. He had a strong finish but hasn’t carried it over. There are no excuses. Callahan knows that and expects better. If they’re to rally back, they need their captain. Let’s see if he can deliver.