Category Archives: In the Crease
6 Keys to the Rangers taking down the Tampa Bay Lightning
Bobby Bevilacqua
After an emotional comeback against the Washington Capitals, the Rangers find themselves back in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Here’s what they need to do to win. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
The Washington Capitals presented a lot more obstacles in the second round than were originally anticipating, building up a 3-1 series lead and taking the Rangers through a physical, exciting seven game series. But Alain Vigneault and his coaching staff were able to make the right adjustments, and counter Barry Trotz’s strategies to come away with a series win.
The Capitals and Penguins both tried to focus on shutting down the Rangers’ strengths; their speed, transition game, and puck possession. It worked for the most part, as each series was very close, and forced the Rangers to mostly abandon the long stretch passes and work on other ways of creating possession and scoring chances.
That probably won’t be a problem against the Lightning, mainly due to the fact that the Lightning can actually match up against the Rangers’ speed. So expect a more wide-open style of play, with more scoring chances, odd-man rushes, and probably more goals. Read the rest of this entry
Fourth line clicking when Rangers need them most
Bobby Bevilacqua
Tanner Glass, and the rest of the fourth line, have stepped their game up in the playoffs when the Rangers need their production most. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In the playoffs, there may be nothing more important a team looking to make a long run than depth. Depth in the forward lines, defenseman and multiple quality goaltenders gives a team the best chance for success.
Last season, the Rangers embodied this mentality, rolling four lines that were a threat to score at any time. Everyone knows about the third line of Benoit Pouliot, Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello, which was arguable the team’s best and most consistent line throughout the playoffs.
But the fourth line Dominic Moore, Brian Boyle, and the rotating wing of Dan Carcillo and Derick Dorsett did a lot of things right too. It was a great defensive line, but could just as easily spend some pinning their opponents back in their own end. Don’t forget, it was Dominic Moore that scored the game winning goal in Game 6 against the Canadiens to send the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals. Read the rest of this entry
Luck, inability, or defended well: Why aren’t the Rangers scoring goals?
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers haven’t been able to find the back of the net consistently in the playoffs. What’s the reason for their anemic offense? Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
After another one goal performance last night, the Rangers anemic offense continues to put the team in tough situations, like the 3-1 series deficit they find themselves in against the Capitals in the second round.
The Rangers clearly aren’t getting outplayed. They’ve been in every game, they’ve had good looks for the most part, and they’ve outshot and outchanced the Capitals in practically every game. They’re averaging nearly 31 shots per game as well through the nine playoff games they have played.
But for some reason, the team that finished third in the NHL in goals per game in the regular season (3.02 G/GP) is now tied for last in the playoffs, averaging just 1.78 goals per game. Against Braden Holtby and the Capitals, they’ve scored just five goals, with two coming from Derick Brassard.
So how on earth is it possible that one of the best offensive teams in the regular season has seen their offense suddenly wither in the playoffs? Read the rest of this entry
There’s more to Rick Nash than scoring goals, but he needs to start doing that too
Bobby Bevilacqua
Rick Nash has been one of the most noticeable players on the ice for the Rangers in the playoffs, and has done a lot to help them win. But he needs to start scoring some goals as well. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Before I start, let me preface this article by saying I am not writing this to make an excuse for Nash. This isn’t to say that he doesn’t have to score goals, or that Nash can’t do more. That isn’t what I am saying at all. So please read the entirety of the article before making a quick decision.
Rick Nash’s postseason struggles are well documented. In 49 career games played, Nash has found the back of the net just six times on 170 shots, with five of those coming as a member of the Rangers.This equates to a shooting percentage of just 3.5%. His career shooting percentage in the regular season is 12.5%, so such a tremendous drop is very surprising.
These stats and struggles aren’t for a lack of effort or trying. In 45 playoff games since being traded to the Rangers, Nash has 274 shots on goal, which gives him a higher shots per 60 minutes rate (19.7) higher than everyone but Alex Ovechkin (25.8). Read the rest of this entry
5 Keys to the Rangers taking down the Washington Capitals
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers were victorious in round one, and now face off against the Washington Capitals. Here is what they need to do to win. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Rangers were able to execute their game plan and eliminate the Penguins in five games, advancing to the second round of the playoffs to take on the Washington Capitals, emerging victorious following a grueling seven game series against the New York Islanders.
Unlike the Penguins, the Capitals are a fully healthy team, with all of their wingers and defensemen ready to play. They too have a solid goalie in net in Braden Holtby, a name familiar to the Rangers and their fans in the postseason.
Following the tiring series against the Islanders, with little rest as well as travel, the Capitals are coming into what will be another extremely hard fought series against another very good team in the New York Rangers. With Game 1 and 2 at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers have another good opportunity to pounce on what could be a tired Capitals team as they try to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in as many seasons. Read the rest of this entry
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