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New York Rangers: Evaluating the Eastern Conference Playoff Teams

By Jake Mozarsky

Apr 9, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers salute the crowd after the game against Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers salute the crowd after the game against Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 30: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates against Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 30: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates against Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Washington Capitals

The Capitals have been an up and down team this season, but have been hot lately. They are currently threatening Pittsburgh for third in the Metro.

Rangers’ head to head vs Washington: 1-1-0

October 13 at Washington: 5-1 Capitals. Opening night. Awful performance. Don’t want to talk about it.

February 24 at the Garden. 4-1 Rangers. Great performance. Would love to talk about it. Igor Shesterkin almost had a shutout, but then Alexander Ovechkin had to ruin it.

The Rangers play the Caps one more time in the season finale.

Deadline acquisitions: F Marcus Johansson from Seattle.

Washington’s biggest strength: The Great #8. We know how good Ovechkin is on the playoffs, whether it is even strength or when he sets up on the left circle for the power play. If New York and Washington somehow match up, and Washington gets the man advantage, watch out.

Washington’s biggest weakness: Goaltending. Whether it’s Ilya Samsonov or Vitek Vanecek, can either be trusted in the postseason? Last year says no.

Now, the Atlantic Division teams.

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