The Rangers Look to Take Early Series Lead Against Capitals

The Rangers’ first round playoff series against the Capitals is now underway. New York finished with the best record in the league and will look to carry that momentum into the postseason. They will need a strong team effort to overcome a Capitals squad desperate to keep their season alive.

Early in the contest, both clubs are feeling each other out and playing a tight defensive style. The first power play opportunities for each side came up empty as well-organized penalty killing held firm. As minutes tick away in the opening frame, neither goalie has yet been severely tested in what’s been a cagey start.

Rangers Look to Solve Lindgren

Washington netminder Charlie Lindgren has stood tall in the first 20 minutes, turning aside all three shots he faced. For the Rangers to gain control of this game, they’ll need to increase their offensive pressure and solve Lindgren between the pipes. Generating traffic and second-chance opportunities around the crease will be important.

As we enter the first intermission scoreless, this matchup is shaping up to be a goaltending battle. The Rangers will want to come out with urgency in the second and put the pressure on early. Their talented roster is more than capable of finding the back of the net if they can sustain quality zone time and get traffic to the net. This series is just getting started – stay tuned for further updates!