The SP-best Rangers are ready to make their post-season debut in a series that might be more interesting than people expect. Their opponent, Pete’s Boston Bruins, are one of few teams to beat the Rangers in regulation this season, with close match ups in all but one game. This preview will be formatted differently as we’re all aware of the Rangers strengths, and the Bruins received their preview last week.
New York wins the series if…
They continue the consistency that led them to be one of the most successful teams SP has seen. MG, Ransom, and mjvoell make up one of the most dangerous offensive lines and their ability to adapt to many different styles of offense should translate into playoff success. However, offense from the defense is really the strength of this team and could prove too much for the Bruins. Although Boston’s defense is great, the defensive play from their forwards was somewhat untested in round one and expect Stiivii and Breezy to put up big numbers and ultimately lead the way. Kozmo has an unbelievable team in front of him and likely won’t be tested often. When he is tested, he should be up to the task against an offensive line from Boston that disappointed in their first round vs. Ottawa.
Boston wins the series if…
The defense holds up to the standards of their second half and the first round. Dynasty on RD and Dodges on LD in round one gave the high-flying Senators offense nothing, keeping them to 2 goals or less for 5 out of 6 games. Pistolpete enjoyed an 11 goal first round, but he was the only Bruin forward to score more than 2 goals. If this doesn’t change, the Bruins could be facing a sweep. After writing about Cupidon in the round 1 match up, it’s shocking to see him put up just 1 goal in 4 games – was the regular season a mirage? Boston’s forwards will need to be significantly better if they stand a chance. In goal, Rambo stepped up with a better first round than his regular season play, but he’ll face a tougher challenge here and he still needs to find another gear. That said, this is a team that was able to shut down the Rangers in the regular season and keep their chances limited even in losses when the goaltending didn’t hold up. An amazing round from Rambo and continued blue-line brilliance could be enough for the upset.
Closing words.
It’s hard to imagine the Rangers losing this series with the talent they possess at every position. Once again, Boston’s forwards were surprisingly quiet vs. Ottawa and that can’t continue here. Most importantly, I expect the Bruins goaltending will crack here and allow no less than 4 goals/game, sending the Rangers off to the Conference Finals with ease.
Prediction: Rangers in 5
Individual predictions:
BOS- Despite giving up over 20 goals this series, Dynasty and Dodges will carry the best defensive numbers in the series
BOS- Rambo will have a series save% under .700
BOS- Cupidon will rebound and put up 8 goals
NYR-Stiivii will put up 12 points
NYR- Kozmo will finish with a GAA under 2.50
NYR – mjvoell will score 13 goals