2011 Playoff Prescription: Rangers vs. Capitals Game 4

Game four, ladies and gentlemen!

The Rangers managed to cut the series lead of the Capitals to just one game three days ago, after a 3-2 victory at Madison Square Garden. The winning goal came in the final two minutes of the game off of a fortunate bounce in front of the net set up by Brandon Dubinsky, who was sporting a new playoff mustache that would make Lanny MacDonald smirk.

Now, the Rangers finally have some momentum in their favor heading into tonights game. They had a good three days off to prepare, and to work on the things they did well on in Game 3. By the good things, I mean playing as if you are trying to take the heads off of the opponent within the restraints of the rules. In the first period of Sundays game, the Rangers were flying around the rink hitting everything like a bunch of wrecking-balls on crack. that is what the Rangers need to do in order for them to make a statement right from the get-go.

Another thing that this long break has brought to this series is it's share of smack-talking. Bruce Boudreau, head-coach of the Washington Capitals made a few comments taking shots at the Garden faithful, and the Garden itself. Boudreau went on to say that MSG isn't too loud, the fans aren't too loud, the benches are cramped, the locker rooms are crappy, blah, blah, blah. Not sure whether or not this is a tactic by Mr. Boudreau to try and get into the Rangers' head, but I can tell you right now, the Rangers fans in attendance are going to let Boudreau hear it, big time. My wish would be for the Rangers to just go "rat-trick" on the Capitals, except this time instead of toy rats, throw ice-cream bars onto the ice. The Rangers would subsequently get a penalty or the delay-of-game, but it would be SO worth it.

Luckily for the Rangers, they have not taken exception to the words of Boudreau. John Tortorella said his team is not worried that the refs are going to be swayed by all the "whining" going on by Mr. Boudreau, and they are only going to focus on their game, which is the right mindset.

The Prescription


Comments aside, I believe the Rangers are going to come out with the edge in all their aspects in tonights game. I also truly believe that tonight is the night where Marian Gaborik, who has been slumping lately, finally breaks through tonight. Gaborik, who had an assist in the last game, is going to get a majority of the chances for him to feel more comfortable on the ice. I also anticipate the Rangers to play just as, if not more, physically in this game than three days ago. The formula is working, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Enjoy the game!