 |
Rick Nash screens Braden Holtby on Derick Brassard’s deciding goal that forced tonight’s Game 7.
Getty Images/Kathy Willens |
In less than two hours, the Rangers and Caps will take to the ice in Verizon Center for Game 7. One team will advance and the other will have a long summer ahead. For the Blueshirts, it’s a chance to finally make some history. In franchise history, they’ve never won a deciding Game 7 away from MSG.
Indeed, the Rangers enter tonight’s big game 0-5 in road Game 7’s. Last year, they won two deciding games to advance all the way to the Conference Finals. However, both came in the more friendly setting of The Garden. In his career, Henrik Lundqvist is 2-1 with a 1.33 GAA and .946 save percentage. Hank edged Braden Holtby last year making 22 saves en route to a 2-1 Game 7 victory that helped the Blueshirts advance to the third round.
Everyone knows what’s at stake. In Game 7, anything can happen. Even in a series where home ice has meant everything. Historically, the Rangers don’t fare well in Washington. In order for them to move on, that must change. Since Marian Gaborik‘s triple overtime winner that won Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semis last year, the Rangers have dropped five straight postseason games in D.C. Dating back to the ’09 first round when the Caps rallied from a 3-1 deficit, they’ve lost seven of their last eight. They’ve been outscored 19-5.
The theme has been the same. A lack of offense. Unless Lundqvist can duplicate his performance from Sunday, the Rangers need someone to step up offensively. The likely candidates are Ryan Callahan and Rick Nash. Neither have scored in the series. If they are to reverse history, it says here that one must get on the score sheet. On the Washington side, Alex Ovechkin‘s been held to one goal. He’s looked dangerous the last two games but is without a point over the last four. The task doesn’t get any easier for the Ranger D. Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi must continue to limit his time and space with the support of forwards. They also must continue to front Mike Green.
If they do get the job done, a sustained forecheck similar to last night is imperative. Limiting the Caps’ touches is part of the strategy. The Rangers must remain disciplined. Washington had no power plays in Game 6. Coach Adam Oates complained. It’ll be even more challenging with a revved up Caps crowd ready. The Rangers have had 12 more power plays in the series, only converting 2 of 26. Meanwhile, the Capitals are 3 for 14. In all three of their wins, they scored a power play goal.
“You make your legacy as a player in these type of situations,” John Tortorella said. “A number of our guys last year had a blast playing in these games. Some guys handle it. Some guys don’t.”
“They play really well at home and they’re confident,” Lundqvist said. “The games we’ve played in that building, special teams have played a big part. We played a really disciplined game, and that’s going to be key for us because they have a really good power play, so you have to respect that.“
The puck drops soon.
hasan4978
Derek
Battle Of Hudson 