Game 1: At New York April 12 7:00PM EDT-NHLN
Game 2: At New York April 14 7:00PM EDT-NBCSN
Game 3: At Ottawa April 16 7:30PM EDT-CNBC
Game 4: At Ottawa April 18 7:30PM EDT-CNBC
*Game 5: At New York 7:00PM EDT-NBCSN
*Game 6: At Ottawa TBD-
*Game 7: At New York TBD
The New York Rangers were in the running for the Presidents trophy but lost their last two games, and went 6-4-0 in their last 10. The Ottawa Senators limp into the playoffs on a losing streak of three games and finished their last ten games 4-6-0.
The Senators did win the regular season series 3-1.
Forwards
The Rangers leading scorer is Marian Gaborik (41G 35A), but he has a supporting cast of Brad Richards (25G 41A), captain Ryan Callahan (29G 25A), and Derek Stepan (17G 34A). The Rangers have the scoring depth that they've lacked in years past and it was a big reason why they fended off the Penguins for the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division Crown. Not only are these guys up top proficient in putting up numbers, they also are responsible at the other end of the ice and routinely give up the body to block shots, helping to isolate their goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
The Senators are led by Jason Spezza (34G 50A), Milan Michalek (35G 25A), and Daniel Alfredsson (27G 32A). For the Senators to compete they will not only have to have a big series from Spezza and Alfredsson, but MIchalek must continue his break out year. Kyle Turris did begin to provide a means of secondary scoring, tallying 29 points in 49 games with the Senators. Ottawa may be able to hang as only three teams scored more goals then the Senators. However, their forwards are not a defensively responsible as the Rangers.
Edge: Rangers. Say what you want about their coach, but the Rangers forwards can play a system that requires two way play, and everyone plays it well.
Defensemen
The Rangers defense is not going to light up the stats sheet by any means, but what they will do is shut down opposing teams' scoring lines.This is especially true for Ryan McDonagh, and Dan Giradi, who have been in that role for most of the season. Michael DelZotto has 41 points and leads the New York blue line in that category. Marc Staal, taking a page from his brother Jordan Staal, returned from a concussion during this years Winter Classic and seems to have found his game just in time for playoffs. The Rangers blue liners, much like their defenseman have an attitude to keep King Henry isolated, and the Rangers have allowed the fewest goals against in the Eastern Conference.
The Senators defense is led by Erik Karlsson who has led all NHL defenders in scoring by 25 points. Veteran Sergei Gonchar also plays a big role in leading the rush and is still very effective at doing so given his age. Filip Kuba, Chris Phillips, and Jared Cowan all are sound defensively.
Edge: Rangers. The Senators have a mixture of young guys and veterans, but even that combination cannot compare to the will that the Rangers defenders have shown throughout the whole year.
Goalies
The Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (39-18-5, 1.97 GAA, 930 SV%) is the hands down favorite to win the Vezina, and is being touted as a Hart finalist. Hank did injure his hand last week, but is likely to be between the pipes.
The Senators will deploy Craig Anderson (33-22-6, 2.84 GAA, .914 SV%), who can either be really good or just plain normal.
Edge: Rangers. No Contest.
Special Teams
The Rangers are ranked 23rd (15.7%) on the power play, and fifth (86.2%) on the penalty kill. Ottawa is ranked 11th (18.2%) on the power play and 20th (81.6%) on the penalty kill.
Edge: Rangers
POFA's Pick
Rangers in 6. Unless Lundqvist isn't healthy enough to play, the Rangers will have no problem putting the pesky Senators away in six games.
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