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The New York Rangers are looking to break another playoff record tonight. With a win at the Garden they will become the only team to come back from a series deficit of 3-1 in consecutive seasons. The Rangers came back against the Pittsburgh Penguins, down 3-1 last year.
But make no mistake, the Capitals are ready for another Game 7. In the first round against the New York Islanders, they played their best game this postseason. Limiting the potent Islanders offense to only 11 shots, leading the Capitals to the 2-1 win.
The difference maker tonight will be Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
“I’ve only been here a short time but that’s the reputation [Lundqvist] has around the League,” Rangers forward Tanner Glass said Wednesday. “He’s a big-game goalie.”
A win tonight would give Lundqvist six Game 7 wins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, tying him with Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy for the most in the NHL.
He’s won five straight Game 7’s, and has put up an astounding 0.80 goals-against average, one shutout and a .973 save percentage in those games.
Lundqvist will certainly have his hands full with a Capitals offense tonight.
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has guaranteed victory tonight. The big question is will Nicklas Backstrom step up? The center hasn’t had a point in over five games now.
Another thing Lundqvist and the Rangers have to look out for is the Capitals power play. During the regular season the Capitals had the best in the league, since Ovechkin scored in game one, they’ve gone 0-for-11 since.
In the end, the Rangers should be able to get it done. Home ice advantage will be their saving grace, and having King Henrik between the pipes should be enough for the Rangers to pick up the win.
“I see myself in the situation and I remind myself what I need to do, that’s my game,” Lundqvist said. “There is no secrets. I have been doing the same stuff for years. It’s about consistency, how I approach it, and focus. It helps me be in the right place mentally.”
The winner will have to face the Tampa Bay Lightning, who clinched their series against the Montreal Canadiens last night.
