Playoff Prescription: Round 2 Rangers vs. Capitals Game 7

And just like that, it comes down to one game, again.

The Rangers failed once again to close out a series, and now face elimination tonight as they meet the Washington Capitals for the final game of this series. Some games for the Rangers have been impressive in this series, others have not been. Game 6 was not an impressive game.

While there was some time of offensive pressure being put on by the Rangers, any lack of production was swallowed up by the Capitals defense, and Braden Holtby.

What can you say? Other than the Capitals have been able to match the Rangers stride for stride the entire series. As a Rangers fan, I have to give them credit. There is no other option. The Capitals overcame an abysmal start to the season, lost both of their goalies before the playoffs, and STILL have managed to hang in the hunt despite everything that has been thrown at them. The Rangers have not shown the same resilience.



From what I have seen these past two series', the Rangers are not on the same page. The only two players on the lineup I have seen show up every night have been Ryan Callahan, and Henrik Lundqvist. The only other Rangers who can make a case for that too is Brad Richards. Other than that, Marian Gaborik has failed to produce consistently, and half of the Rangers forwards are without a goal so far in the playoffs.

For tonights game, I have no prediction, or keys to victory. I think the Capitals are energized, the team playing better hockey at the moment, and I think their good fortune is going to propel them to a win tonight an knock off the Rangers. And to be honest, they do deserve it. The Capitals have worked their asses off every single game of this series. Even in defeat, they have managed to keep these games close and put the pressure on the Rangers to perform. I hate nothing more than knocking my own team, but I truly think that is the way tonight's game is going to go down.

As Rangers fans, all we can hope for is that the Rangers get lucky tonight, and that serves as a launchpad for performance in the next round against the Devils. Nothing would make me happier than to see that happen, but as a realist, I don't see it.