New York Rangers focused on tying series with Washington Capitals – NHL Play-offs Preview
The first seed in the Eastern Conference the Washington Capitals had some difficulties in game three against the Rangers, but both are looking ahead to gain an advantage in Wednesday’s matchup at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
Game four carriers high expectations for the Rangers’ fans who want their team to survive, but the Capitals are not going to make the same mistakes they made previously.
New York was baffled by the Capitals’ Coach Bruce Boudreau after he made comments against them, accusing the team of foul play while at the same time blaming the crowd for routing them in the wrong direction. The Rangers feel even more confident entering
game four knowing that they must get even with Washington.
"Our mindset is we're just focusing on what we need to do, which is playing the right way and getting ready," Rangers coach John Tortorella said. "We have confidence in the league and confidence in the officials that they won't be influenced by all the whining
going on (By the Capitals Coach)."
Bruce Boudreau had been making legitimate comments about the Rangers along with the management, according to sources. He said that they were deliberately targeting Mike Green’s head, knowing that he missed 20 games due to a concussion. He also blamed the
authorities who made calls against players, but failed to implement any punishment.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals lead the series 2-1 for now, as they enter game four, it will be all about the offense. Washington has adopted a new attacking strategy to tackle all the tactics that New York has been using so far. They have a number of players that can lead
them ahead while their defensive end is also very strong.
Blaming their previous loss on fatigue and lack of penalty killing, the Capitals are ready and refreshed heading into the next game. Other than winning the Eastern Conference quarter-finals, the Capitals want to knock the Rangers out hard. They really want
to teach them a lesson and game four can be the best way to do that in their home stadium.
"I think it is very important for us to get pucks deep and make it a physical-style game against their D," Alex Ovechkin said. "We don't have lots of shots in the first two periods and when you don't have shots you can't score. If we have the shots we have
to find the rebounds and make some chances."
New York Rangers
Other than their defensive strategy which has worked miracles for them, the Rangers are looking to continue their aggressive offense play which gave results in game three. They capitalised on their first power-play in the past 12 games and look forward to
keeping it consistent. Deeply disappointed in the previous two play-offs, New York wants to make it right this time around, even if that means having to do anything.
Keeping not only their respect, but the dignity of their fans is their top priority when entering game four on Wednesday. After the Capitals coach talked against them, the Rangers have been enraged and want to take their anger out the next time they meet
up.
New York is still without Ryan Callahan, Alex Frolov and backup goalie Martin Biron. Callahan and Frolov have deprived the team of their offence and if both return in time, the Rangers could see a huge boost in their game-play.
If Washington can get into that mode of play with which they ended the regulation season, then quite frankly, New York does not stand a chance. That depends on whether the Capitals are feeling it or not.
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