GAME 5 DECIDER! 3 Key Tactics Rangers Must Execute to Finish Off the Hurricanes.
The New York Rangers will look to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in the last three years when they host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of their best-of-7 series Monday night.
It’s no time to panic for the New York Rangers.
The Blueshirts couldn’t complete a sweep of the second-round, best-of-7 series against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, but still own a commanding 3-1 lead. They’ll get another chance to deliver the knockout punch at Madison Square Garden on Monday night (7 p.m.).
The Rangers strayed from a few things that helped them build a commanding 3-0 lead during a 4-3, Game 4 loss on Saturday.
There’s obviously no shame losing to a talented and well-coached team like the Hurricanes. Nobody said it would be easy and, even during the three games they won, the Blueshirts had to scratch and claw their way to victory.
With that said, here’s three things the Rangers can do to enhance their chances of winning Game 5.
1. Quick start
A desperate Hurricanes team took the wood to the Rangers in the opening minutes of Game 4 in Raleigh as Evgeny Kuznetsov and Stefan Noesen scored a goal apiece within the first 6:33 of the contest. Yes, the Rangers recovered and eventually tied the score, but the Canes’ quick start ultimately cost them. Behind what should be a raucous MSG crowd Monday, the Rangers should return the favor by not only scoring the first goal (or more), but getting back to paying attention to detail on defensive assignments. Carolina will never quit, but putting some doubt in their minds early can go a long way to getting to a handshakes line Monday evening.
2. Stay out of the box
Before Brady Skjei’s game-winning goal on a power play in Game 5, the Rangers did a phenomenal job shutting down the Canes with the extra man. In fact, Carolina was 0 for 15 on the PP before Skjei’s goal. You really can’t ask for much more, but what some people might forget is the Hurricanes had the No. 1 power play during the regular season and can be extremely dangerous despite the Rangers’ early success on the penalty kill. You can bet your bottom dollar the Canes will be looking to build off Skjei’s big goal and ride the momentum when they have the extra man again, so it’s imperative the Rangers stay disciplined and minimize their opportunities.
3. Need the stars to perform
Big stage. Big crowd. Golden opportunity. The Rangers need to take advantage and their top 6 forwards, guys like Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck have to step to the plate and deliver. Most of the aforementioned guys have done so before and are included on the first power-play unit with Adam Fox, so the time has come to not only draw some penalties, but come through with goals. The Blueshirts afforded themselves a cushion by bolting to a 3-0 series lead and after losing Game 4, it’s time to grab the bull by the horns and get the job done. The Canes’ goaltending is heir weak point and New York’s big guns must show up to end this series.
