New York Rangers Keys to Defeating Pens

New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins, A Postseason Norm

Nothing is better than games between division rivals, especially during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and when teams like the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins go head-to-head, it is bound to be exciting.

When you look at the match-ups between these teams historically, they are more or less evenly matched – Pittsburgh leads the Rangers by only three wins. However, in the last five years, the Rangers have a winning record in match-ups during the regular season (3-2).

The teams have played each other six times in the playoffs since 1989 – twice in the last two seasons – where the New York Rangers beat the Pens in the second round in 2014 and in the first round last year.

But, obviously, history doesn’t tell us what will happen this year. Pittsburgh’s regular season ended on a hot streak as they won 14 of their last 16 games. However, they have also faced some injuries, which could come back to haunt them in the post season.

Key Injuries Impact Each Team

Pittsburgh’s Injury-prone forward, Evgeni Malkin, has been on Injured Reserve ever since suffering an upper body injury in March. Defenseman, Olli Maatta, who signed a six-year contract extension with the Penguins this year, missed the last two games of the regular season with a lower body injury and is still listed as day-to-day. Their starting goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury, has been out indefinitely after suffering his second concussion of the season earlier this month, and backup goaltender, Matt Murray, is currently day-to-day after being knocked over by Flyers forward Brayden Schenn in their final match-up of the regular season.

The Rangers have had flashes of brilliance in the offensive zone this season, and in order to emerge from the first round this year, they need support from their defense. Ryan McDonagh adds consistency to the ice, especially in the neutral zone, and with him sidelined with a hand injury, and it being confirmed that he will miss Game 1 tomorrow, the New York Rangers must find a way to fill the whole this injury has created. Dan Girardi, who has seemed off this season, is also day-to-day and sat the last game of the regular season. Losing another veteran defenseman, no matter how they are playing is never a good thing.

The one person who has provided consistency all season, Henirk Lundqvist, left practice on Monday because he wasn’t feeling well. According to dailyfaceoff.com, Lundqvist is likely to start Game 1 of the playoffs tomorrow night in Pittsburgh. If anything changes, the game will be left in the hands of Antti Raanta. Raanta had a solid regular season in net, ending his year with 31 saves against the Red Wings on April 9 to lead the Rangers to a 3-2 win, but he has never seen playoff action.

The New York Rangers Depth and Experience Lends to an Upper-Hand

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With so many things up in the air on the defensive end, the New York Rangers need their offense to click. Eric Staal, who has only scored three goals in 20 games since being traded from Carolina, needs to start making an impact in the Rangers offense. Rick Nash, who has scored two beautiful goals since his return from his bone bruise, needs to step-up during the playoffs as well, which has proved difficult for him in the past.

The New York Rangers definitely have potential, and one of their strongest points, especially in the post season is the depth of their team, which has not been properly displayed this season due to the team spending too much time in the defensive zone.

Mats Zuccarello, Derek Brassard, Derek Stepan, Keith Yandle, J.T. Miller and Chris Krieder all have over 40 points this season and will need to move the puck in the offensive zone and lead with confidence. With Zuccarello’s 61 points, Brassard’s 27 goals and Yandle’s 42 assists, these three especially will be vital in the offensive zone.

The Penguins are best when they are given the opportunity to play as a unit, and the Rangers need to focus on breaking up plays to throw them off their game.

Next: New York Rangers Earn Tough Draw in NHL Playoffs

If the Rangers play physically enough to force turnovers, but safely enough to not end up with any more injuries, they have the potential to make it out of the first round against the Penguins.