The Rangers are returning home after dropping two games to the Capitals in Washington. Now, it's really time to get down to the nitty-gritty if you are the Rangers.
I did not get to see the game two days ago because I was visiting schools, and I don't really want to watch the replay of a shutout. But what I can say is that the Rangers are lacking intensity. The Capitals have been strong on the puck up and down the rink in every game they've played so far, and in turn, have only allowed the Rangers to score one goal in this series coming in the first game from Matt Gilroy. Now, the Rangers are home, a place they have struggled to win a few times this season, but have pulled off miraculous things at (aka, the Boston 5-3 comeback). But like I said, it is time for them to get down to the nitty-gritty now. Which means, hitting harder, shooting harder and more often. Throw everything and the kitchen sink at the Capitals. Like Brandon Dubinsky said: "Rather than cycling ourselves to death, we've just got to make sure we're trying to create chances and funnel everything to the (crease) and trying to get in this guy's face. He's a young guy (Neuvirth) and we've got to try to put more pressure on him."
The Prescription
As said before, the Rangers need to match the intensity that the Capitals had in their home arena. The Capitals are a fast-paced team, and the Rangers need to find a way to shut them down before they can set up, because that one opportunity may be all they need.
Also, Rangers fans need to do what they need to in order to get the Caps off their game. I'm talking be as loud as humanly possible. Don't stop cheering until the horn signals the end of the game. Make them feel out of their element.
Enjoy the game!
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