2012 Playoff Prescription Round 1: Rangers vs. Senators Game 2

What an interesting playoffs we have going right now, huh?

For any hockey fan, it's been Christmas morning these past few days as the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs have not dissapointed at all. The #8 Los Angeles Kings have a 2-0 lead on the Vancouver Canucks, and the rivalry between the Penguins and Flyers is intensifying. What could a hockey fan want more of? Oh right, their team to win the Cup...

Well, in order to get there, you must go through the ranks and prove your worth, and that is what both the Rangers and Senators are going to try to do tonight in Game 2 of their series. Game 1 went the way of the Blueshirts two days ago, when four different Rangers chipped in for goals to win by the score of 4-2. Despite the ending of the game, when the Rangers game up their two goals of the game, for the most part they seemed on queue with each other and built a lead to big to overcome. Even when the Senators were on their onslaught, the Rangers held strong and fortified themselves for their chance to score their own goals.



The cohesive bond that the Rangers have worked all year to show in their games is showing new light here in the playoffs. The improved scoring threat of captain Ryan Callahan, and recent offensive improvement by center Brian Boyle propelled the Rangers to their first win over the Senators as they both potted goals for the Rangers. And when it all comes together at the same time, good things are happening.

Keys to Success


Keep Your Foot on the Gas: Do not let up against the Ottawa Senators. They almost were given a chance to come back against the Rangers in Game 1 by scoring those two late goals. Don't give them that opportunity ever. In the playoffs, anything could be a catalyst for a major comeback, just ask the Flyers and Penguins. Leave them nothing, but take from them everything.

Be Physical the Entire Game: Establish your dominance. If the Senators want to come into Madison Square Garden and win, they better have to scratch and claw for every chance they get. Make them work, wear them down, take away their will. New York Rangers hockey is all about imposing a players will against their opponent. If the Rangers can do that for 60 minutes, they can take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Predictions


It is never easy to make a prediction in the playoffs. Any team can show up any night. But for tonight, before the Rangers head to Ottawa for Games 3 and 4, I think they will be able to take the 2-0 lead in the series with a win tonight coming by the score of 3-1. If they can play headstrong hockey, but remain tactful at the same time, the Rangers can win tonight.

Enjoy the game, be loud and Let's Go Rangers!