Here is the New York Rangers Gameplan for Game 6 vs the Canes
By Marc Penner
Is it just me or is it getting hot in here? Is it just me or have the screws tightened once again on the New York Rangers? As you know, the New York Rangers enter Game 6, vs the Canes, up 3-2 in the series. If you have been watching and paying attention, then you will know, just how close these two teams actually are to one another.
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Remember, anytime you are winning games in Overtime, you know things could have easily gone another way. That said, when your back is against the wall, (the Canes being down 3-0 heading into Game 4 ) your level of intensity increases. You know you will be getting their best game of the series, with max effort, just to remain alive. And the Canes brought that in Game 4.
In Game 5, the New York Rangers started to feel the pressure to eliminate the Canes from the opening faceoff, and played a tentative, tired? First Period. NYR got better as the game wore on, however they were never really in control, like they have been.
That said, here are All the Boxes that Must Be Checked in Game 6, in order for the New York Rangers to eliminate the Canes and move on to Round #3.
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Intensity
The Blueshirts need to step up their overall level of intensity. They simply could not match the level of intensity the Canes have brought into Games #4 and #5. Yes Boys, I understand that it is extremely hard to play at that emotional level for 3 months, which is why it is so hard to go undefeated in the NHL Playoffs. You have had a few days to recover, so Bring It for Games #6.
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Defend like your life depends on it
Defense Wins Championships. Keep opposition players to the outside, (like the area between the faceoff circles to the boards) Box Out. Keep the front of your net clean. Block Shots. Like all this stuff means getting to the Cup or not. Exit your D-zone ASAP. I’m talking fast, crisp, clean, tape-to-tape passes at high speed. Limit the number of Turnovers. This takes Focus and Commitment…you got this Boys.
Score By Committee
Everyone must be ready to contribute on Offense. Stick Down, Bear Down, Bar Down.
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Patience Puck-Possession Passion
We all know the New York Rangers want to win. At this level, at this time of year, everyone does. But what are you willing to do to make that happen? Are you willing to put your body on the line? Are you willing to take a hit to make the right play? Are you willing to understand field position and how to manage it? Win the Faceoffs Boys and control the game from the get-go.
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Special Teams need to be Special
They have been and they are, for the most part. The NYR PP and PK have been equally up to the task thus far. Its quite obvious that when the Blueshirts score on the Power Play, they are more likely to win. Keep it going der boys.
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G-Men Must Stand Tall
#31 has been our MVP in the Playoffs. Night in-Night out, Shesterkin has been outstanding. It’s been nice to watch. He has been making the timely saves more often that not. Keep it up #31, Love it.
HC Must Understand and Take Advantage of the Mis-Matches
The Head Coach controls who is on the ice, when, and in what circumstances. It is a Huge Game of Chess. Those who succeed, find the mis-matches and take advantage of them. Sometimes there is a weakness that you can exploit in the opposition’s line-up. Other times, the weakness is in your line-up. The Key is to know when to pull the trigger and when to take advantage of it.
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Controlled Aggression
It is that time of year when you must hit absolutely everything in your path or line of sight. Body shots over the course of a series brings upon physical and mental fatigue, which leads to mistakes, which leads to goals. I know it tough to do, but it’s a non-negotiable item on this check-list.
New York Rangers Record as of April 18.2024 - End of Regular Season
55-23-4 = 114
1st - in the Metropolitan Division
1st - in Eastern Conference
1st – Overall, in NHL
The Rangers bring their Deepest Lineup yet, into this series. NYR plays a Patient-Puck-Possession game style, with Tough Team D and Great Goaltending.
Vs
Carolina Hurricanes Record as of April 18.2024 - End of Regular Season
52-23-7 = 111
2nd - in the Metropolitan Division
2nd - in Eastern Conference
3rd – Overall, in NHL
The Canes also like to control the puck, with a number of High-Skilled players in their line-up. They having been knocking on Stanley’s door for a few years now, and their window is starting to close.
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My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch
Zamboni tracks on the NYR Ice
Turnovers and Star Players hiding at the wrong time.
Zamboni tracks on the Canes Ice
Weak G-Man, and getting overall out-muscled.
Pens Pick: NYR checks all the boxes and wins this series.
Quote of the Day:
"Sometimes you must simply throw logic out the window and see the reality of it all"
Marc Penner
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