Blue Line Station
Fansided

Three keys to taking down the Canes in Game 1

By Andrew Steele-Davis

Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers takes the puck in the third period against the New York Islanders during an exhibition game. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers takes the puck in the third period against the New York Islanders during an exhibition game. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images) /
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Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers stops a shot in the first period against the New York Islanders during an exhibition game.
Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers stops a shot in the first period against the New York Islanders during an exhibition game. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images) /

Key 3. Goaltending

At the time of writing this we still aren’t any the wiser as to who will be in the crease for either team for Game 1 today.

Both David Quinn and Carolina Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour are leaving it until the last minute to name a starter for Game 1, although we have some idea.

It is widely expected that rookie phenom Igor Shesterkin will get the start for the Rangers, thus officially ushering in a new era for the New York Rangers.

Petr Mrazek allowed three goals on 16 shots in an exhibition game against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, while James Reimer came in and saved all nine shots he faced in relief.

Therefore, it could be Shesterkin Vs. Reimer in Game 1 but, whoever starts between the pipes, they will have a short leash.

It is no secret that goaltending is a vital ingredient in the postseason, but it takes on even more importance in a short Best-of-Five series.

As a result, mistakes or a sloppy start won’t be tolerated and it wouldn’t surprise me to see someone pulled early if they suffer a bad start.

For the Rangers, they are in the better position given that they can call upon Henrik Lundqvist should Shesterkin struggle in Game 1, if the latter gets the start today that is.

Showtime for the Rangers. dark. Next

But, again, there is no doubt that whoever gets elite goaltending in this series will advance through to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and that will be needed from the first drop of the puck in Game 1.

If Shesterkin can continue his meteoric rise and elevate his game further, then that could be the real difference maker for the New York Rangers.

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