1 NY Rangers vs 8 Ottawa Senators
- Thread starter Darryl
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dappleganger
Active member
Lundqvist is the difference.
Rangers in 7.
Rangers in 7.
Sucker Punch
New member
We should rename this thread to "GO SENS GO - pt. 1 of 4."
Boston Leaf
New member
Let's Go Rangers.... Hoep the Rangers win it all.. Love Tortorella and King Henrik
Corn Flake
New member
Rangers in 4. This series will be a surgical strike for NYR.
Madferret
New member
SENATORS LEAVE OTTAWA, EMBARK ON TOUGH PLAYOFF ROAD
ASSOCIATED PRESS
OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators open the NHL playoffs against the top-seeded team in the East in one of the most historic arenas in the league.
But the Senators haven't been intimidated by the New York Rangers and Madison Square Garden this season.
The eighth-place Senators won the season series 3-1, including both road games. If they hope to have any success in the best-of-seven series against New York, they will need to take advantage of starting on the road.
Game 1 is Thursday with Game 2 scheduled for Saturday. The series shifts to Ottawa on Monday.
"When you start on the road if you can get off to a good start it can put pressure on the other team," Ottawa forward Jason Spezza said Monday. "We feel we can play with anybody, but we know they're the top team."
Overall, Ottawa was better on the road in the regular season (21-14-6) than at home (20-17-4). The Senators have the worst home record of any of the 16 teams to qualify for the post-season.
Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson realizes getting by the Rangers will be a big challenge, but he admits playoffs are a time for upsets.
He's experienced it before.
In 1998, the eighth-place Senators eliminated the New Jersey Devils in six games.
"We go in believing we can win, but we also realize it's going to take a huge effort from everyone and everyone's going to have to play well," said Alfredsson.
The series will hold extra importance for the longtime captain given it could be his final trip to the playoffs should he choose to retire following the end of the season.
"I'm going to treat it as such (my last playoffs)," said Alfredsson. "Who knows even if I play next year if we would get back to the playoffs so you just want to make sure you enjoy it and make the most of it and just play your hearts out and don't let anything wanting at the end of it."
New York will need to minimize Erik Karlsson's contributions. Karlsson, who led all defenceman in scoring with 78 points this season, is expecting to see some extra attention, but says he's used to it.
"I've got to be prepared to get hit all the time," said Karlsson. "It's fine by me as long as everything is fair and straight. It's part of the game and something I grew up with and I'll deal with it."
The Senators will need an outstanding performance by Craig Anderson in goal. The Rangers most definitely have the advantage with Henrik Lundqvist, who posted career numbers this season with 39 wins, a 1.97 goals-against average and .930 save percentage. Lundqvist also has the edge when it comes to playoff experience with a 15-20 record through 35 games. In comparison, Anderson has just six playoff games to his credit when, as a member of the Colorado Avalanche in 2010, he faced the San Jose Sharks where he went 2-4.
"You work hard for 82 games to get to where we are now and you start fresh," said Anderson. "Everyone is on an even ground. You get to push yourself to another level and that's what's kind of cool about it."
Only Alfredsson and Chris Phillips remain from that 1998 team that upset New Jersey, but the Senators boast a number of players with post-season experience, and while head coach Paul MacLean has playoff experience as a player and an assistant coach this will be his first experience as a head coach.
"I think experience in the playoffs is an important part, but you still have to play, but if you've been there before I think it makes a difference," said MacLean.
The Senators head into the playoffs on a three-game losing streak and while MacLean didn't like the way his team played to end the regular season he has confidence in their abilities if they stick to the structure that allowed them to make it to the playoffs in the first place.
"We like our team a lot and think we have a lot of character," said MacLean. "When we play Senators hockey which would be to be efficient in our own end of the rink, skate 200 feet and attack the net aggressively on offence we play real good and we win games. That's the type of identity that we want to make sure we continue to carry into the playoffs. If we play that way we usually have success."
Notes: RW Chris Neil is expected to play in Thursday's series opener. Neil was injured in practice last week and missed the final game of the regular season. C Mika Zibanejad, who spent the season in Sweden with Djurgarden of the Swedish Elite League, practised with the Senators today, but is expected to be sent to the AHL's Binghamton Senators. D Matt Carkner missed practice to deal with a minor undisclosed injury.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators open the NHL playoffs against the top-seeded team in the East in one of the most historic arenas in the league.
But the Senators haven't been intimidated by the New York Rangers and Madison Square Garden this season.
The eighth-place Senators won the season series 3-1, including both road games. If they hope to have any success in the best-of-seven series against New York, they will need to take advantage of starting on the road.
Game 1 is Thursday with Game 2 scheduled for Saturday. The series shifts to Ottawa on Monday.
"When you start on the road if you can get off to a good start it can put pressure on the other team," Ottawa forward Jason Spezza said Monday. "We feel we can play with anybody, but we know they're the top team."
Overall, Ottawa was better on the road in the regular season (21-14-6) than at home (20-17-4). The Senators have the worst home record of any of the 16 teams to qualify for the post-season.
Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson realizes getting by the Rangers will be a big challenge, but he admits playoffs are a time for upsets.
He's experienced it before.
In 1998, the eighth-place Senators eliminated the New Jersey Devils in six games.
"We go in believing we can win, but we also realize it's going to take a huge effort from everyone and everyone's going to have to play well," said Alfredsson.
The series will hold extra importance for the longtime captain given it could be his final trip to the playoffs should he choose to retire following the end of the season.
"I'm going to treat it as such (my last playoffs)," said Alfredsson. "Who knows even if I play next year if we would get back to the playoffs so you just want to make sure you enjoy it and make the most of it and just play your hearts out and don't let anything wanting at the end of it."
New York will need to minimize Erik Karlsson's contributions. Karlsson, who led all defenceman in scoring with 78 points this season, is expecting to see some extra attention, but says he's used to it.
"I've got to be prepared to get hit all the time," said Karlsson. "It's fine by me as long as everything is fair and straight. It's part of the game and something I grew up with and I'll deal with it."
The Senators will need an outstanding performance by Craig Anderson in goal. The Rangers most definitely have the advantage with Henrik Lundqvist, who posted career numbers this season with 39 wins, a 1.97 goals-against average and .930 save percentage. Lundqvist also has the edge when it comes to playoff experience with a 15-20 record through 35 games. In comparison, Anderson has just six playoff games to his credit when, as a member of the Colorado Avalanche in 2010, he faced the San Jose Sharks where he went 2-4.
"You work hard for 82 games to get to where we are now and you start fresh," said Anderson. "Everyone is on an even ground. You get to push yourself to another level and that's what's kind of cool about it."
Only Alfredsson and Chris Phillips remain from that 1998 team that upset New Jersey, but the Senators boast a number of players with post-season experience, and while head coach Paul MacLean has playoff experience as a player and an assistant coach this will be his first experience as a head coach.
"I think experience in the playoffs is an important part, but you still have to play, but if you've been there before I think it makes a difference," said MacLean.
The Senators head into the playoffs on a three-game losing streak and while MacLean didn't like the way his team played to end the regular season he has confidence in their abilities if they stick to the structure that allowed them to make it to the playoffs in the first place.
"We like our team a lot and think we have a lot of character," said MacLean. "When we play Senators hockey which would be to be efficient in our own end of the rink, skate 200 feet and attack the net aggressively on offence we play real good and we win games. That's the type of identity that we want to make sure we continue to carry into the playoffs. If we play that way we usually have success."
Notes: RW Chris Neil is expected to play in Thursday's series opener. Neil was injured in practice last week and missed the final game of the regular season. C Mika Zibanejad, who spent the season in Sweden with Djurgarden of the Swedish Elite League, practised with the Senators today, but is expected to be sent to the AHL's Binghamton Senators. D Matt Carkner missed practice to deal with a minor undisclosed injury.
Madferret
New member
Breaking Down Round One- Sens vs. Rangers
www.senschirp.ca
On Thursday night, the Ottawa Senators will open their first round series against the New York Rangers as significant underdogs.
Afterall, the Rangers were the best team in the East for most of the season. They finished just two points back of first in the entire NHL, they are extremely well coached and they have one of the best goalies in the game. But this is the Stanley Cup playoffs, and as we know, anything can and will happen.
Here is how I see the match up.
Forwards
Hard to give an edge to one group of forwards over the other because they play such different styles. The Rangers are the grind it out type of team, great off the cycle and creating their chances from below the goaline. Meanwhile the Sens are a little more run and gun and rely on a strong counter attack game for their offence. Both teams have legitimate first line centres in Richards and Spezza, both teams have first line snipers in Gaborik and Michalek and both teams have tough bottom six guys like Dubinsky and Neil that can contribute. Both teams like to play a physical brand of hockey so there's no real seperation there. But the Senators have a Daniel Alfredsson, the Rangers do not. We have seen Alfie elevate his game at this time of year before and I don't expect this year to be any different.
EDGE- The Ottawa Senators
Defence
Another tough one to call because the two defence cores are just so different. Led by Erik Karlsson, the Sens defence puts up points and lots of them. Meanwhile the Rangers get far less scoring from their back end but they love to make you pay a physical price and are capable of blocking a ton of shots. The pair of Girardi and McDonagh is going to make life extremely difficult for Spezza, particularly at MSG where the Rangers have last change. I'll give the Rangers a slight edge here because their defence appears to be a little more built for playoff style hockey. With that said, if the Sens get continued production from the blueline, it could be the difference in this series.
EDGE- The New York Rangers
Goaltending
Let's face it, Henrik Lundqvist is probably the best goalie in the NHL. Coming off a season that is sure to net him the Vezina and even some Hart Trophy talk, he is the reason the Rangers are the top seed in the East. At the other end, you have Craig Anderson who has looked strong since returning from a hand injury. If there is a saving grace for the Sens, it's the fact that Lundqvist hasn't exactly been lights out during the playoffs in his career. He has a 15-20-0 record and a fairly unimpressive .909 save percentage. Lundqvist is not the type to get rattled easily but traffic in front of him is going to be crucial. If he can see it, he's going to stop it. If Andy can match King Henrik in this series, the Sens should be able to hang with the Rangers.
EDGE- The New York Rangers
Special Teams
This is where Erik Karlsson and Jason Spezza will have to leave their mark on this series. Goals are harder to come by at playoff time so you have to make sure you take advantage on the power play. The Sens sport the league's 11th best power play while the Rangers are ranked 23rd. Meanwhile the Rangers have the 5th best PK in the league while the Sens are ranked 20th. Pretty much a wash here but it will essentially come down to which team's stars take advantage of their opportunities with the man advantage.
EDGE- Draw
Prediction
While the Rangers had the edge in two of the four categories, there are a couple key elements that I feel tip this series in the Sens favour. The first is experience. Despite icing a fairly young team, the Sens have a ton of playoff experience in their line up and have the added bonus of a group that is just one season removed from a Calder Cup run in Binghamton. Experience matters this time of year.
The second factor is pressure. The Rangers are the top seed in the East and will be expected to make short work of the Sens. If Ottawa can find a way to steal one of the first two at MSG, a building they have played so well in historically, the could plant that seed of doubt in the Rangers.
PREDICTION- OTTAWA SENATORS IN 6 GAMES
www.senschirp.ca
On Thursday night, the Ottawa Senators will open their first round series against the New York Rangers as significant underdogs.
Afterall, the Rangers were the best team in the East for most of the season. They finished just two points back of first in the entire NHL, they are extremely well coached and they have one of the best goalies in the game. But this is the Stanley Cup playoffs, and as we know, anything can and will happen.
Here is how I see the match up.
Forwards
Hard to give an edge to one group of forwards over the other because they play such different styles. The Rangers are the grind it out type of team, great off the cycle and creating their chances from below the goaline. Meanwhile the Sens are a little more run and gun and rely on a strong counter attack game for their offence. Both teams have legitimate first line centres in Richards and Spezza, both teams have first line snipers in Gaborik and Michalek and both teams have tough bottom six guys like Dubinsky and Neil that can contribute. Both teams like to play a physical brand of hockey so there's no real seperation there. But the Senators have a Daniel Alfredsson, the Rangers do not. We have seen Alfie elevate his game at this time of year before and I don't expect this year to be any different.
EDGE- The Ottawa Senators
Defence
Another tough one to call because the two defence cores are just so different. Led by Erik Karlsson, the Sens defence puts up points and lots of them. Meanwhile the Rangers get far less scoring from their back end but they love to make you pay a physical price and are capable of blocking a ton of shots. The pair of Girardi and McDonagh is going to make life extremely difficult for Spezza, particularly at MSG where the Rangers have last change. I'll give the Rangers a slight edge here because their defence appears to be a little more built for playoff style hockey. With that said, if the Sens get continued production from the blueline, it could be the difference in this series.
EDGE- The New York Rangers
Goaltending
Let's face it, Henrik Lundqvist is probably the best goalie in the NHL. Coming off a season that is sure to net him the Vezina and even some Hart Trophy talk, he is the reason the Rangers are the top seed in the East. At the other end, you have Craig Anderson who has looked strong since returning from a hand injury. If there is a saving grace for the Sens, it's the fact that Lundqvist hasn't exactly been lights out during the playoffs in his career. He has a 15-20-0 record and a fairly unimpressive .909 save percentage. Lundqvist is not the type to get rattled easily but traffic in front of him is going to be crucial. If he can see it, he's going to stop it. If Andy can match King Henrik in this series, the Sens should be able to hang with the Rangers.
EDGE- The New York Rangers
Special Teams
This is where Erik Karlsson and Jason Spezza will have to leave their mark on this series. Goals are harder to come by at playoff time so you have to make sure you take advantage on the power play. The Sens sport the league's 11th best power play while the Rangers are ranked 23rd. Meanwhile the Rangers have the 5th best PK in the league while the Sens are ranked 20th. Pretty much a wash here but it will essentially come down to which team's stars take advantage of their opportunities with the man advantage.
EDGE- Draw
Prediction
While the Rangers had the edge in two of the four categories, there are a couple key elements that I feel tip this series in the Sens favour. The first is experience. Despite icing a fairly young team, the Sens have a ton of playoff experience in their line up and have the added bonus of a group that is just one season removed from a Calder Cup run in Binghamton. Experience matters this time of year.
The second factor is pressure. The Rangers are the top seed in the East and will be expected to make short work of the Sens. If Ottawa can find a way to steal one of the first two at MSG, a building they have played so well in historically, the could plant that seed of doubt in the Rangers.
PREDICTION- OTTAWA SENATORS IN 6 GAMES
GhostofPotvin29
New member
They give refunds, right?
