Great write-up, as always. Not gonna lie, a little concerned with this series, though confident the Rangers can win it.
Very concerned for Zucc. I don't think people realize what they saw that night - just how potentially career/life-threatening it could have been or could still be...
I actually think our 3rd line is much better with Fast. Hayes didn't seem to have much chemistry with St.Louis. I expect that line to do some damage this round, Fast played his best game in a while once he got reunited with Hags and Hayes. The speed on both wings now and Hayes should be a very favorable match up against Washington's 3rd or 4th lines.
This series goes 6 or 7. Caps are going to give the rangers a run for their money and could be the team moving on. It's going to be a good series. - capitals89
I just feel like the Rangers matchup so well against you guys. Speedy teams that play a possession passing game like Tampa or Ottawa give us fits. But heavy teams that try to grind it out are brutal against us.
Good analysis Jan. Living in Caps country has me more nervous than I'd normally be. I watched 15-20 of their games this year (rooting like hell against them) and I've come to respect hem more than I have in the past. I told some Caps fans before the season that I think Trotz will be their AV and give them a big bump this year. Now, I hope it's a nice bump and not a Big bump.
For those who watched Game 7 of the Isles series, Mike Green played like he hasn't played in 4-5 years. I'll be keeping an eye on what he does because if he's regained some confidence and form that's a big issue for the Rangers. The Caps do a really good job of covering the point when the d man pinches. Watch how often Backstrom winds up at the blueline (end then sneaks in behind the defense when a teammate, usually OV, buys time). Caps love the slot and the Rangers need to keep them out of there.
The difference in these Caps is that Trotz has finally brought in a system and they can fall back on that system and not get too loose. He was also smart to play a right wing lock through the neutral zone and let the left wing challenge the dman while the other forward can drop back and cover the middle for him (i.e. how to deal with OV's defensive deficiencies). Simple but effective. They don't make a lot of mistakes so the Rangers need to do what they do best, stay patient and capitalize when opp's are there, which makes it hell for us as fans.
Good analysis Jan. Living in Caps country has me more nervous than I'd normally be. I watched 15-20 of their games this year (rooting like hell against them) and I've come to respect hem more than I have in the past. I told some Caps fans before the season that I think Trotz will be their AV and give them a big bump this year. Now, I hope it's a nice bump and not a Big bump.
For those who watched Game 7 of the Isles series, Mike Green played like he hasn't played in 4-5 years. I'll be keeping an eye on what he does because if he's regained some confidence and form that's a big issue for the Rangers. The Caps do a really good job of covering the point when the d man pinches. Watch how often Backstrom winds up at the blueline (end then sneaks in behind the defense when a teammate, usually OV, buys time). Caps love the slot and the Rangers need to keep them out of there.
The difference in these Caps is that Trotz has finally brought in a system and they can fall back on that system and not get too loose. He was also smart to play a right wing lock through the neutral zone and let the left wing challenge the dman while the other forward can drop back and cover the middle for him (i.e. how to deal with OV's defensive deficiencies). Simple but effective. They don't make a lot of mistakes so the Rangers need to do what they do best, stay patient and capitalize when opp's are there, which makes it hell for us as fans. - WineryDog
The Rangers have neutralized Green in the past by hitting him hard. I expect them to do the same in this series.
Location: I would rather see a dudes hairy balls than his hairy feet-Jimbro Joined: 12.13.2013
Apr 30 @ 2:29 PM ET
I actually think our 3rd line is much better with Fast. Hayes didn't seem to have much chemistry with St.Louis. I expect that line to do some damage this round, Fast played his best game in a while once he got reunited with Hags and Hayes. The speed on both wings now and Hayes should be a very favorable match up against Washington's 3rd or 4th lines. - MatzCT
Was going to mention the same thing. I think this 3rd line will have a big series.
