Breaking Down The Rangers vs. Capitals 1st Round

These two teams are not strangers by any means. In fact, the last time they versed each other in the playoffs was two years ago when the Capitals won 4-3. But this time, it's going to be a helluva lot different. 

The Rangers and Capitals got to showcase their skills against one another four times this season. Three out of those four times, the Rangers Came out on top. Twice, the Rangers beat the Capital by more than five goals, while not allowing any in the process. The Capitals managed to take the first game away from the Rangers by the score of 5-3. Both these teams have very good attributes that will help them come playtime. Let's highlight some of those attributes, shall we?

Strengths


The Capitals have been an offensive powerhouse for the past three seasons, potting more than 250 goals in each of those seasons. With acquisitions of Alex Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, and Alexander Semin, this team has the big guns when it comes to scoring. Along with that, the bringing-on of seasoned veteran Jason Arnott who has won the Cup with the New Jersey Devils before, can provide a huge lift in their depth. This team is dangerous, and can change the pace of a game in an instant. However, this team has gone through a transition this year, trying to become more defense-oriented as that has proven to be their downfall the past few postseasons. And this transition has worked in their favor. The Capitals went from losing the lead in their division to the Lightning, to earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers also have found a bit of a powerhouse in offense this season as well. Five players this season have scored 20+ goals for the Rangers. In fact, the Rangers scored more goals this season than Washington did. As stated before, the Rangers have managed to six and seven goals in the net against Washington this season. In fact, overall scoring between the Rangers and Caps this season is 17-6 in favor of the Blueshirts. Along with scoring more than five goals on two occasions, they have managed to keep the puck out of their net as well. The Ranger shut the Caps out twice this season, and allowed one goal in a game that lead to a shootout. Henrik Lundqvist has been on his A-game against the Caps this season, and that will probably show again when it's all on the line for these two teams.

Weaknesses


As stated before, the Capitals have gone through a defensive transition this year. But, the problem may not lie with their defense, but rather their goaltending. The Washington Capitals have switched off Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov, and Braden Holtby all season long. These goaltenders, besides Varlamov who was the goalie that faced the Rangers two years ago, are not playoff seasoned, and their inexperience could potentially falter this team.

Like the Caps goalies, the Rangers are a young, YOUNG team. Half of the defensive players are playing in their first NHL season, but have performed above and beyond the expectations of the Rangers this season. However, experience can be the thing that really propels a team in the playoffs, and thats something the Rangers lack.

The Mix-Up


I believe this series is going to go to game seven. Both of these teams, despite the lopsided scoring/goaltending during the regular season, are very evenly matched. The game-breakers for both teams like Lundqvist, Gaborik, Ovechkin and Backstrom are going to have to come up big at the right time in order for these two teams to get the jump on each other.

This is just a rundown of what I think the series is going to be. I will post my predictions for the series and we get closer to the start on Wednesday!

Let's Go Rangers!