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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
Series Preview, Round 3: Rangers vs. Lightning
Bobby Bevilacqua
The Rangers and Lightning are meeting in the playoffs for the first time ever, with strong connections on both sides. This could be a special series for both teams. Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
Last night, the Rangers became the first team in NHL history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit in consecutive years following Derek Stepan’s overtime heroics at Madison Square Garden, sending his team back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, and the third time in the past four years.
Now, the Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will face off in the postseason for the first time ever, fighting for a chance to play for the Stanley Cup. But connections and bloodlines run deep with these teams, making this matchup truly special.
On March 5th, 2014, just hours before the trade deadline ended, the Rangers traded their captain, Ryan Callahan, as well as two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for their captain, future hall of famer Martin St. Louis. Contract negotiations between Ryan Callahan and Glen Sather went downhill, and the relationship between Martin St. Louis and Steve Yzerman had soured, prompting St. Louis to request a trade to the one place he wanted to be; New York. Read the rest of this entry
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