The Rangers must slow the Lightning down
In their first two series of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the New York Rangers wanted to get out and run. Against both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, New York tried to open the ice but failed to do so, yet still advanced in five and seven games, respectively.
The Rangers have a solid defense despite not having a star on the blue line and perhaps the best goaltender in the game today with Henrik Lundqvist. Facing the high-octane Tampa Bay Lightning, logic would dictate that the Rangers play closer to the vest, but they have done anything but through the first three games.
The result? A 2-1 series deficit and 12 goals allowed in the last two games. Game 4 is on Friday night at Tampa Bay.
New York has continually tried to skate with Tampa Bay, hoping to match the Lightning in a can-you-top-this fashion. The Rangers closed the regular season as the third-best offense in the league, but Tampa Bay was first-overall and showing why. Tyler Johnson has burst onto the scene with a ridiculous 12 goals in these playoffs, leading a line that has combined for 25.
However, Tampa Bay is not particularly strong defensively. Victor Hedman is a good defenseman, but outside of him the blue line corps is fairly weak. Ben Bishop is a solid goaltender but certainly not in the same class as Lundqvist. The Rangers need to put their ego and pride aside, and focus on playing a controlled hockey game by choking off the middle of the ice in their own end, and dumping the puck into the offensive zone.
New York is the superior team when the game is playing with a deliberate pace. When the Lightning are allowed to play with their collective hair on fire, the Rangers are going to be blown out of the building. New York has been torched repeatedly by quick crossing passes and breakaways, something that would be stopped if it played a more sound positional game.
Simply put, the Rangers need to have the defensemen stay home and the center play high, allowing for a better transition when Tampa Bay begins to break out. If New York can slow the pace, it has a better than even chance of winning.
Game 4 is a must-win for the Rangers. A loss would put them down 3-1 headed back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5, the same predicament they found themselves in last series versus Washington. The difference, though, is in the quality of opponent. With the Capitals, the series never felt over. With the Lightning, it absolutely will be.
It will be fascinating to see if New York gets back to its roots and plays a sound defensive game in front of the battered Lundqvist. If it doesn’t, the Rangers are going to be making tee times soon.
