Hmmmm .... Most are predicting that once the puck is dropped, the Rangers will be run out of town by the Caps. I actually think this series is going to be a big surprise to those people. Yes, I know I can be wrong, but I will tell you why I think I see a long series and an upset.
Let's look at Tort's Rangers. Who are they? They are the team that took the ice in March after a few days with Torts and his new system. How did they do? Well, they played 18 games and went 11-7 (I count an OT loss as a loss). But, even more important - they were 11-5 with Lundquist between the pipes and 7-4 with Lunquist against Eastern Playoff teams. They scored 4 goals or more 8 times. In January and February under Renney, Lundquist was 9-12 and 2-5 against Eastern Playoff teams. They scored 4 goals or more only 3 times. Do you see a difference? This is actually a good team.
Let's look at O's Caps. Who are they? They are a team that has has a very soft March and April. They are just 10-9, and only 1-3 against Eastern Playoff teams.
What is the key to this series? Obviously for the Rangers the Prince has to play like the King. But, that is not all. The Rangers must not fall into the trap of trying to key in on Ovechkin. When the Caps have beaten playoff teams, more times than not the key to their victory has been Semin. Stop Semin, and we move on to the next round.
Let's Go Rangers!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
This Could Be Fun!!
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My impression is that the defensive tandem of Staal/Girardi played well against the Ovechkin line during the season.
What defensive pair and offensive line would the Rangers want on the ice against Semin. Or to put it another way, who should *not* be on the ice against Semin? Redden?
Glad you asked me. I would not match him with a defensive pairing. I would take a page from Lou Amarillo. He put Jay Pandolfo on Jagr and drove him crazy. I would put Avery on Semin.
Yep, I think you're right.
Playing Avery is like "throwing a monkey wrench" in other team's offensive machine. Avery probably gums up Semin's output more than Ovechkin's. All three play left wing.
Let's hope our loose cannon punches a hole in their ship.
The Rangers chances are slim if Gomez, Drury, and Naslund don't show up. Drury is hurt and Gomez and Naz have disappearing act. Avery a penalty waiting to happen. Caps O looks good over Rangers D.
Gomez is key. I expect a huge series from him.