Three Keys to Rangers beating the Capitals in Round One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Better Depth

New York's superior depth will be significant in this series. With questions about the possible return of Filip Chytil, the deadline acquisitions and the general depth of the Rangers roster will be the most significant driving factors as to why the Blueshirts will be the favorites here. New York needs to have the lower parts of the lineup on the score sheet if they are to be the dominant force in this series.

Key players like Kaapo Kakko, Alex Wennberg, and rookie Will Cuylle will be instrumental in the most crucial games of the season for the Rangers. Their past performances have demonstrated their value, and Cuylle's physicality will add a new dimension to the team's play in his first NHL postseason. With so much at stake, expect Cuylle to make his presence felt with some impactful hits.

Players like Jimmy Vesey and Barclay Goodrow, who are veteran bottom-six pieces, will have to make sure that they are helping kids like Matt Rempe and the aforementioned Will Cuylle through the struggles of their first career NHL postseason. It's taxing and incredibly draining for the players on both teams regarding what it takes out of the groups. The Blueshirts will need their bottom six, knowing that injuries are bound to happen.

Washington's depth is not as strong as New York's because the Capitals lack the same scoring punch in their bottom six. But they can be strong defensively. New York will need its lines to attack in waves if it is going to overcome the Capitals. New York requires depth to be a crucial part of this playoff run. 2024 is the best shot the organization has had since the 2015 season to make a run and try to grab a fourth banner for the rafters of Madison Square Garden, but they need strong depth performances.