For all the negativity after game 2, Rangers in a great position to win this series
Lundqvist robs Weber in game 1 (Getty)
Henrik Lundqvist
One concern Rangers fans had was Lundqvist. Even his most hardened defenders this season had concerns. In two playoff games at his regular season den of horrors, Lundqvist amassed 85 saves on 89 shots, has a stellar 1.73 GAA and a sparkling .955 SV%.
If this is where Lundqvist game is at…the Rangers have instantly become a legit contender for the Cup.
Girardi Rejuvenated
I said when he returned to the lineup in LA, his road to redemption begins. So far in this series, he and Ryan McDonagh have been outstanding. If the Rangers were going to contend, they needed Girardi to find his 2014 form and it looks like he has.
In two games it is clear that Girardi is being physical in his own zone and quick with the puck to help with transition. If all the rest Girardi received this year pays off, it would behoove AV to make sure to keep an eye on his minutes in the playoffs as well.
4th Line Dominant
Lindberg, Fast, and Glass have been excellent. They are physical, fast, and playing simple hard nosed hockey that usually means success in the playoffs. Rangers need all 4 lines to play that way.
Nash Scores Early
Rick Nash broke the ice in game 2 in the playoffs….that is huge. End of story. If the Rangers want to go anywhere they will need him to be a threat every game.
Areas of Concern
It’s not all roses in Rangerstown…
Nick Holden hasn’t been good and he with Marc Staal have been the Rangers biggest concern on defense. Holden has made some bad turnovers and missed assignments. They often get pinned in their own zone as well.
Rangers need more contributions from their centers. It’s two games but Stepan, Hayes and Zibanejad need to step up. Let’s hope it happens today.
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