Playoff Prescription: Round 1 Rangers vs. Senators Game 4

Games are getting more important now that the chance of being eliminated looms bigger over every opponent. The Canucks and Penguins are on the verge of being booted early (ironically, the two teams I pick to go to the Finals), and overtime games are running rampant throughout every series.

Tonight, the Rangers look for a 3-1 lead on the 8th seeded Senators. Let's go back a few nights and see how we got to this point. Brian Boyle's heightened play has helped the Rangers get to where they need to be. His three goals in three games so far has the Rangers sitting with an advantage. But the big man cannot win the series by himself. Enter, Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist had his first shutout of the postseason, stopping 39 shots, including a marvelous save in the dying seconds of Game 3 on Kyle Turris. Lundqvists save preserved the one goal lead right until the end of the game, and that is why the Rangers are up 2-1 on the Senators.

Now, the Rangers are not in the clear yet, not even close. The physical play in Game 3 was less than stellar, and in turn, the Senators were able to weave their way around the defender and get shots at Lundqvist. Had there been another goaltender in net, I do not believe the Senators would have stayed scoreless in that game. The Rangers need their physicality. Do not be afraid to throw the body around, but be smart. No sense in overdoing it and winding up sitting out a few games suspended.

Keys to Victory

Make the Sens Feel the Pain: Again, this only applies if it is done SMARTLY. Being shorthanded is never a good scenario, but making your opponent scared to get hit is. Physicality needs to be there if the Rangers want to win tonight. They cannot expect Lundqvist to stand on his head night after night. After a while, the man is going to need some support on offense.

Capitalize on Opportunities: Don't even give the puck a chance to go through the crease. The Rangers failed to convert, or even get a shot off on a few situations in Game 3. In order to win, every stick needs to be cocked and loaded tonight. No opportunity goes wasted, no puck gets batted away at the last second. Fight for the shot.

Predictions

All of the games in this series, and ever series so far, have been unpredictable. Honestly, who thought the Canucks might get swept in the first round? It's just a hunch, but I think this will be another low-scoring game tonight, that the Rangers will win in regulation 2-1, with Chris Kreider getting his first NHL point tonight.

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