The New York Rangers have swept the Washington Capitals in the first round of the NHL playoffs, showcasing their dominance in all aspects of the game. Their victory marks the first time a team has advanced to the second round this season.
The Rangers’ success stems from their depth and balance, with 10 players scoring goals and 14 registering points against Washington. Igor Shesterkin, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, continued his stellar play, stopping 94 of 101 shots faced.
New York’s special teams were also a key factor, scoring two short-handed goals and killing off 15 of 17 Capitals power plays. Their 5-on-5 play was equally impressive, allowing them to overcome some tight games.
“We showed it every game,” said Vincent Trocheck, the Rangers’ leading goal-scorer in the series. “The sign of a good team is when there is depth and balance.”
The Rangers’ next challenge will likely be the Carolina Hurricanes, who are up 3-1 on the New York Islanders. The Rangers won two of their three games against Carolina this season, but also lost 6-1 in January.
However, the Rangers have the advantage of extra time off, which they believe will be beneficial after going through seven-game series in each of the first two rounds of the 2022 playoffs.
“The seven-game series will pile up on you, so, yeah, obviously that’s a big factor, I think, to keep as fresh as we can,” said captain Jacob Trouba.
The Rangers’ depth has allowed them to keep their players’ ice time under 23 minutes per game, a significant advantage over the Capitals, who relied heavily on top defenseman John Carlson due to injuries.
“Anyone can play against anyone,” said defenseman Braden Schneider. “We balance out well and everyone knows their role and plays hard doing it.”
The Rangers’ success on the road is particularly impressive, as they have home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Game 1 against the Hurricanes or Islanders will be at Madison Square Garden, giving them a chance to rest and prepare for the next step in their journey towards their first championship since 1994.
