Mika Zibanejad has been a force for the New York Rangers in the opening two games of their playoff series against the Washington Capitals. The Swedish center has played with a heightened level of engagement and has been dynamic on the ice. He has been quicker, more physical, and has been using his body to his advantage. Zibanejad has been a key part of the Rangers’ success on both ends of the ice, and he has been a major reason why they have taken an early lead in the series.
One of the biggest factors in the Rangers’ success has been Gerard Gallant’s decision to put Chris Kreider on the penalty kill. Kreider has been a force on the PK, and he has helped the Rangers to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league when they are down a man. Kreider’s ability to create turnovers and generate scoring chances has been a major asset for the Rangers, and it has helped them to control the tempo of the game.
The Rangers’ defense has also been impressive in the playoffs. Young players like K’Andre Miller and Braden Schneider have stepped up and played a key role in the team’s success. Miller has been particularly impressive, and he has shown that he is a rising star in the NHL. Schneider has also been solid, and he has shown that he can be a reliable option on the Rangers’ blue line.
Despite some questionable officiating calls against Dryden Rempe, the Rangers are in a good position to take a 2-0 lead in the series against the Capitals. Zibanejad, Kreider, and the Rangers’ defense have all been playing at a high level, and they will be looking to continue their strong play in Game 3.
Here are some additional notes from the Rangers’ Game 2 win:
* Zibanejad’s goal in the second period was a thing of beauty. He stripped the puck from Alex Ovechkin in the neutral zone and led an odd-man shorthanded rush that culminated with the Swede’s ultra-sweet dish to the trailing K’Andre Miller for what ultimately stood as the winning goal.
* The Rangers’ penalty kill was once again excellent in Game 2. They allowed just one power-play goal, and they generated several scoring chances of their own.
* Igor Shesterkin was solid in net for the Rangers. He made several big saves, and he was a major reason why the Rangers were able to win the game.
* The Rangers will look to take a 2-0 lead in the series when they host the Capitals in Game 3 on Wednesday night.
