The New York Rangers, who set franchise records with 55 wins and 114 points during the regular season, entered the playoffs with few weaknesses. However, their offensive production at full-strength five-on-five has been a potential concern.
During the regular season, the Rangers ranked 21st in the NHL in expected goals percentage at five-on-five (49.27 percent) and 13th in goals scored (166). Their five-on-five goal differential was just one, and they ranked 25th in high-danger shots (153).
In their Game 1 victory over the Capitals, the Rangers addressed these concerns by scoring all four of their goals in even-strength situations. They were 0-for-2 on the power play, demonstrating that their even-strength play was a key factor in their success.
“Game 1 it was big for [the Capitals] to come into our barn here and we made a statement,” said Rangers center Alexander Wennberg. “We did a great job, scoring four goals on five-on-five. That’s a big key to our success.”
The Rangers’ penalty kill was also impressive, as they snuffed out four Washington power plays without allowing a goal.
“We put a lot of focus on it and obviously did some scouting,” Wennberg said. “We talked about being aggressive and being committed to our plan. We did a good job the first game. We just tried to stay aggressive.”
The Rangers’ penalty kill was tested early when Matt Rempe was sent off for charging just 2:07 into the game. The Rangers’ response set the tone for the game.
“It started off with the PK right away and I think that was a great start for us to come out right from the get-go and do a good job,” Wennberg said.
“They did a terrific job,” said Rangers coach Peter Laviolette. “You’re talking about a lot of pieces to that [Capitals power-play] group that have a lot of history together, chemistry together, with really good players and one of the greatest goal scorers ever [Alex Ovechkin].”
Washington coach Spencer Carbery expressed disappointment in his team’s ineffective power play.
“I thought we struggled getting though [the Rangers’] pressure at the blue line,” Carbery said. “I thought we were a little bit disconnected when we had them on the ropes. Can’t happen. We’ve got be cleaner there.”
Despite Ovechkin being held without a shot on goal for only the fourth time in his playoff career, the Capitals still have concerns about their defense. Vincent Iorio was knocked out of Game 1 with an upper-body injury in the second period and did not return. John Carlson played a game-high 27 minutes in his absence.
Carbery said he will “evaluate” the injured players after Tuesday’s morning skate to determine their availability for Game 2.
