Conference Semifinals: #1 New York Rangers vs. #7 Washington Capitals

[smashem]

Hoping the Caps do not bore the Rags to death, that may be there only chance

[pesadillamal]

Looks like Hunter is teaching his team his old tricks. Nice crosscheck to Richards after he scored.

[PotvinSucks]

That seemed rather easy. Sh*t, I almost fell asleep on my couch.

[29th_Candidate]

Rags in 6.

[pesadillamal]

This Washington style being talked about is perfect for the Rangers. They weren't even worried about shots unless an oppurtunity presented itself. Just keep Washington deep and wear them out.

[bigjack]

Hey fellow Ranger fans: please don't get cocky and remember the Ottawa series. We won game 1 by a 4-2 score and then they stepped up their hitting and checking and played solid and our crappy PP and faceoffs helped them also!
Earth to Gaborik-wake up and do something! 1 goal and 14 shots in 8 games is ridiculous! Imagine if this guy was doing something?

[BondraDaBomb]

Rangers won the first 5 minutes and a minute span where they scored those two quick goals, but other than that Washington was forcing the game and making the moves.

Nothing in this game told me that the Caps can't win the next four games in a row.

[PotvinSucks]

Originally Posted by bigjack

Hey fellow Ranger fans: please don't get cocky and remember the Ottawa series. We won game 1 by a 4-2 score and then they stepped up their hitting and checking and played solid and our crappy PP and faceoffs helped them also!
Earth to Gaborik-wake up and do something! 1 goal and 14 shots in 8 games is ridiculous! Imagine if this guy was doing something?

Yeah but heres the thing, Ottawa is a better team than the Caps. Theyre much grittier, more physical, better defensively, and better goaltending. The best thing to happen to the Rangers was the seven game war that Ottawa brought to them. The younger guys are battle tested and ready. Like I said before, if the Rangers can keep riding the wave of emotion, theyll make quick work of the Caps. Holtby isnt that good and the Caps' defense is a joke. Rangers fans should be confident.

Bondradabomb apparently watched a different game today as the caps did nothing to make me believe this will be as tough a series for the rangers as round 1 was.

[BondraDaBomb]

Was an off night for Holtby, he wasn't tested very much and was cold. Sometimes he seems to come out cold at the beginning of games or out of intermissions, and becomes a little flat if he doesn't get a lot of action.

That Kreider goal that everyone is circlejerking about would be routine if Holtby was on.

Take away that goal, and a sleeper on the wrap around and its a 1-1 game.

Maybe that's the way to win for the Rags, go under 15 shots every game.

[mikebflorida]

Originally Posted by BondraDaBomb

Rangers won the first 5 minutes and a minute span where they scored those two quick goals, but other than that Washington was forcing the game and making the moves.

Nothing in this game told me that the Caps can't win the next four games in a row.

Except for the fact that Washington can't score, that might be a problem, I'm sure I read that somewhere.

Their defense first approach only works for so long against a good team.

I'll gladly bet you. $1,000.00 that Washington won't win 4 in a row.

I take PayPal.

[Ciccarelli]

Has Gaborik ever played well in the playoffs?

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by Ciccarelli

Has Gaborik ever played well in the playoffs?

Ironically his first playoff at age 20 he was solid with 9 goals and 17 points in 18 games!

As a Ranger he's played 13 games with 2 goals and 6 points.

He's being nominated for the Jean Ratelle biggest choke artist as a Ranger award in the playoffs. Ratelle was infamous for his 9 goals and 42 points in 65 playoff games as a Ranger and Gaborik is right there with Ratelle!
Just brutal!
Gaborik averaged 3.37 shots a game this year during the regular season and is averaging 1.75 shots a game in the playoffs!

Ratelle from the 1970-74 playoffs played in 48 games as the Rangers best forward and scored 7 goals and 31 points and they ask why the Rangers never won a CUP!

People always make the claim that the Rangers would of won the Cup in 1972 had Ratelle been healthy and it's a ridiculous claim!
Why?
Bobby Rousseau moved up to center on the top line with Gilbert and Hadfield during that playoffs and led the Rangers in scoring with 17 points in 16 games.
Rousseau usually played 4th line right wing and PP right point specialist for the Rangers and not at center but did so replacing Ratelle who was injured and was clutch and excellent!

Gaborik is playing just like Ratelle as a Ranger in the playoffs! Leading scorer during the regular season and disappearing dog in the playoffs!

[ThogSmash]

I'll take Rangers in 5. Definitely surprised to see Washington beat the Bruins but I really think that Ottawa series woke the Rangers up.

[BondraDaBomb]

If Gaborik ever showed up then that could be a nail in the coffin for the Caps. Cap's D could out-muscle him but no way could they skate with him.

If Gaborik pulls a Seguin and shows up now or later in the series, then that could be a turner. All depth cancelling itself out, Gaborik making an impact could push the series the Rags way.

Luckily history says that it won't. In this instance, I like the phrase 'history tends to repeat itself."

[pesadillamal]

The best part of this game was the intermission. I turned on the other game and have already seen a fight and some bitter players. The Rangers have thrown some hits but they need to get even more physical. Greene should be do for a giveaway and we are only in game 2 but Hamarlik is already done going into the corner first for the puck. Dump it into his corner and you will get the puck everytime. Grind these pusses out.