First Round Preview: Ranger side of the Hudson

April 6, 2008   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Copyright Getty Images 

With Hasan setting up the Devil side of things in the latest installment of the Battle of the Hudson, it’s time to take a look at how the Rangers stack up.

So, let’s take look:

Forwards- Jaromir Jagr struggled much of the season but he sure bounced back this past week putting together his best hockey. A tying goal earlier today made it all 17 seasons of No.68’s brilliant career with at least 25-or-more. The tally also allowed him to surpass former Devil Scott Gomez for the team scoring lead netting 71 points (25-46-71). A hot Jagr is a plus headed into this series. If he’s the most important scorer, then Chris Drury’s the most valuable with his penchant for scoring clutch goals and winning key faceoffs to stellar penalty killing. With a goal today, he tied with Jagr for the most on the club with each getting 25. Gomez is the Rangers’ best passer and has plenty to prove against his former teammates. Brendan Shanahan has lost a step but could prove large in a series where offense should be at a premium. Never underestimate Jagr fixture Marty Straka either.

Grade: B

Defense- With Marek Malik returning to the blueline today to get the rust out, the Blueshirt blueline looks to be well balanced. If there’s an area of concern, it’s that the Czech tandem of Malik and Michal Rozsival can be forechecked. They must remain poised and make smart decisions. Ditto for the improving Christian Backman, who is hot with seven points in his last eight games entering the postseason. Look for solid young pair Fedor Tyutin and Dan Girardi to log important minutes in this series. Both work well together and aren’t afraid to play the body. They’ll be a huge key to who prevails. Rookie Marc Staal continues to improve in his end. Now he’ll really get tested along with partner Backman. He’s the future on the blueline. So it should be interesting to see how he fares.

Grade: C+

Goalies- Henrik Lundqvist played almost as much hockey as adversary Marty Brodeur starting 72 while winning 37 and posting a respectable 2.23 GAA with a .912 save percentage. Two years ago against the same bitter rival, he wasn’t 100 percent and performed miserably. He’s been tough on the Devils all season and has added incentive. The NHL shutout leader (10 SHO) who might once again sneak into the Vezina race due to Roberto Luongo’s meltdown will be under the microscope. The pressure’s on. Solid vet Stephen Valiquette backs up.

Grade: A

Coach- Tom Renney has done a respectable job running the Ranger bench. For the third straight year, the affable man has guided his team to the postseason. However, so much is expected this time around. He must not be afraid to make line changes such as flipping Straka and key antagonist Sean Avery, who’s not been the same since being moved away from Jagr and rookie Brandon Dubinsky. It’s no time to worry about bruising egos. For all my criticism, Renney usually has a good read on his bench. The pressure’s on in this series.

Grade: B

Special Teams- If there’s an area which could help decide this series, it’s here. Neither team takes many penalties. So, when they get their chances, the Rangers need to shoot the puck and bury them. Against Brodeur, every shot counts. Their PP has struggled all year ranking a ridiculous 20th (lower after today). On the other end, the PK has been a bright spot with Renney able to send three sets of forwards out including rookie Ryan Callahan and key fourth line pivot Blair Betts. Drury and Shanahan are also fixtures. Keeping the Devils off the board in this department is a must.

Grade: C (PP-D PK-B)

X-Factor- Normally, you don’t point to rookies as difference makers but the Rangers have a trio up front who could prove large. Dubinsky plays with Jagr and possesses good size, speed and strength. He’s a heady player who is effective in all three zones and knows how to get underneath opponents skin. So while the Devils will be preoccupied with Avery, they might overlook Dubinsky. Callahan is a speedy right wing who brings a lot of energy to his shifts. Extremely aggressive on the forecheck, the Rochester native isn’t shy about throwing big hits and is particularly effective along the walls. Perhaps the most dangerous of the three rookie forwards is Nigel Dawes. Since a second recall in mid-January, the 23 year-old from Manitoba has been a different player scoring and setting up big goals and playing very spunky hockey. He’s not big but uses his 5-8 190 frame well usually beating opponents to loose pucks. Some hustle resulted in Drury’s 25th earlier today. Dawes is also an underrated passer. He’ll be teamed with Callahan and Drury.   

Grade: B+

Analysis: This promises to be a tightly contested battle between the East’s top two defenses with All-Star netminders. As stated 24 hours ago, the team which sets the tone and plays most aggressively should prevail.

Prediction: Like Hasan, I believe this series goes six. However, I won’t pick a winner. I still maintain that whoever comes out will be bruised and battered for the next round probably against top seeded Montreal, who shouldn’t have much trouble with the Bruins.

If our other NY/NJ bloggers want to make a pick or give hard hitting analysis, by all means do.