How the New York Rangers can get back on top in Game 5

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 07: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal on Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on June 07, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /

Game Five will be yet another test of character for the New York Rangers who hold their postseason fate in their own hands.

After taking a 2-0 series lead after impressive performances in Games One and Two, the Blueshirts saw first hand exactly why the Tampa Bay Lightning are a juggernaut in Games Three and Four.

Having shaken off any rust from a long layoff in-between series and having also rediscovered the peak of their powers, the Bolts showed their wealth of playoff experience in coming back to make this a tied series.

The momentum now appears to be firmly on the side of Tampa Bay, despite the fact that the series now shifts back to Madison Square Garden where the Rangers have won eight straight.

Lose tonight and the Rangers could be in very real trouble heading back to Tampa on Saturday, but find a way to win and the momentum could be shifted yet again especially if there’s a Game Seven in New York.

And, on that note, here’s what the Rangers will need to do if they are to win a ninth straight playoff game on home size and seize back control of this series…

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 07: Corey Perry #10 of the Tampa Bay Lightning looks to block a shot by Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on June 07, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Set the tone

What was apparent in Games Three and Four was the aggressive manner in which the Lightning came out swinging, resembling the fearless team with the ruthless mentality that has won the last two Stanley Cups.

Yes, the Rangers took a 2-0 lead in Game Three but they never looked in control and that lead was soon wiped out, while the Bolts took an early lead in Game Four and never looked back.

So, with that in mind, the Blueshirts need to maximize their formidable home ice advantage by coming out hard and setting the tone early in Game Five. Be that by a dominant and punishing first shift by the fourth-line or by getting after Andrei Vasilevisky early, a fast start will be crucial.

Give what will be a packed and electric MSG crowd something to cheer early and they have the ability to carry the team early. But, and as they proved in Game Four, the Lightning are a dangerous team with the lead.

Despite losing two straight, the Rangers should be confident given that they have won a red-hot eight straight playoff games on home ice, while the match-up situation will benefit them greatly at MSG.

Consider this; the Rangers have led at home in these playoffs for an incredible total of 292:45 minutes, while they have only been behind for 29:31 minutes.

That should give them confidence heading into tonight.

Furthermore, Gerard Gallant’s team average 4.22 goals for per game and 2.22 goals against per game, as opposed to 2.44 goals for per game and 3.67 goals against per game on the road.

It isn’t a stretch, then, to suggest that the Rangers are a far better team at home than they are on the road this postseason and, if they can find their groove early and jump on the Lightning, that will be their best chance of winning Game Five.

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