Playoff Prescription: Round 2 Rangers vs. Capitals Game 2

The Rangers are in the building, and do not look like they are leaving anytime soon.

The Rangers and Capitals are gearing up for their second game in this best-of-seven series. The Rangers have tangled quite the weave of performance as of lately, most recently taking control of Game 1 against the Caps winning 3-1. Secondary scoring, goaltending, and strict defense were keys to this Rangers victory as Henrik Lundqvist was on queue two nights ago stopping all but one. Artem Anisimov, Chris Kreider and Brad Richards all tallied a goal to propel to Rangers to the early advantage in this series. Now, the Rangers look to get an even bigger stretch on the Caps and go up 2-0 at the Garden tonight.

One of the major factors of victory is testing Braden Holtby. The Rangers failed to test Michael Neuvirth competently last year, which eventually lead to their early exit from the playoffs. The kid is good, but he is still trying to find his game in this crazy world of the NHL. I'm talking shots from the point, and in general, shots that the players do not think have a chance in hell of going in. We saw how that can work out on Anisimov and Kreider's goal in Game 1, now it's time for a repeat performance. Make Holtby work for his saves.



Keys to Victory

All Guns at the Ready: EVERYBODY in the lineup should be looking to shoot tonight. No pretty plays need to be made tonight, for the Rangers need to make a statement to their competition that they are willing to scratch and claw for every goal they get. Dirty goals are going to be abundant tonight.

Keep Your Composure: With the pest of Chris Neil out of the way, the Capitals do not have much of a catalyst to get under the Rangers skin. Therefore, the Rangers will not have to worry about that, so they can focus on imposing their will on the Caps, and forcing them to play the game the way the Rangers want to play it. The Blueshirts are in the drivers seat in this series.

Defense Stays in Check: The last two games by the Rangers have been superb defensively. Breaking up shots, passes, and taking away the neutral zone have been the Rangers bread and butter as of late, and it is working. Now would be the worst possible time to stop, because of how much success they've had with this system of defense.

Predictions

I know I haven't done my predictions in a few days, because to be perfectly honest, I've been skeptical if the Rangers can win the games they've been playing. But tonight, my confidence in them has been restored because of the way they have carried out their play the past two games. I think tonight, the Rangers will hold the Caps to another one-goal game, as they continue to perform like superstars on defense, and continue to step up when needed to on offense. Rangers win 4-1.

Enjoy the game!