Rangers and Devils look to move on

April 26, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Today is basically summer beach weather. Hard to fathom for late April and that I’m leaving for MSG in a few minutes for the all important Game Six between the Rangers and Capitals.

To say it’s a must win would be pointing out the blatantly obvious. No. I don’t believe they can win a Game Seven in D.C. if that’s what it comes down to. And no. The Rangers don’t possess as much talent as the Caps. Duh. If they want to advance and shut everyone up, they’ll need to show the same sorta character they did in winning Game Four to give themselves a cushion. Lose today and that’s gone with Alex Ovechkin and Co. with all the momentum.

I expect Henrik Lundqvist to be better than Game Five. He has been the reason we’re still playing and actually have a shot at the upset. However, he needs a lot of help from teammates. It’s time for them to step up. It’s their season that’s basically on the line today.

As for the Devils, they can move into Round Two with a road win at Carolina tonight. That has been the most competitive series of the opening round. Every game has been nip and tuck. Martin Brodeur made his statement the other night in outdueling Cam Ward in one of the epic battles you’ll ever see.

Now, the Devs try to close out Eric Staal and Co. They’ve silenced him and his linemates. Can they finish them off tonight? You can bet they don’t want to see a deciding Game Seven even if it’s back at their barn because that’s how close this series has been.

So, two potential clinching games for the Hudson rivals. Can they deliver?

We’ll find out later.