It’s no secret the New York Rangers have blown plenty of leads in Games 1 & 2. They’ve blown four, 2-goal leads in the opening games of the Stanley Cup Finals at the Staples Center. The Los Angeles Kings have capitalized in the third period and then in overtime to take a 2-0 series lead into New York.
Madison Square Garden will be rocking Monday night, as the Rangers faithful will do all they can to keep New York in the series.
The Rangers will need to make a couple of adjustments, after failing to take a game in LA.
It starts with the opening period. The Rangers have dominated the first period this series, scoring both opening goals, and have had a lead going into the second both games. After the first period things fall apart for the Rangers. They’ve been shutout in the 3/4 final periods, while giving up five goals in that stretch.
Henrik Lundqvist has to do a better job in the third period. It doesn’t help that the Rangers have not scored a goal in the final period this series, but Lundqvist has to give them a chance to win the game. Blowing three, 2 goal leads in a game is unacceptable. The Kings may have found King Henrik’s weak spot in his blocker side, giving up 6 of 8 goals on that side.
Lundqvist is facing too many shots (43&44) this series, and the defense needs to step up. If the Kings have found the weak spot in Lundqvists game, the defense has to limit his shots, and keep that number as low as possible.
Averaging 2.41 goals against, the Rangers have proven that they need to hold the Kings to around 2 goals to have a chance in the game. They should have a spark on offense from a packed and loud MSG, but the key for Games 3 & 4 is to limit the Kings to 2 goals.
“Well, you know, it’s home ice. Two games so far, it’s proved to be a big piece of that,” said New York defenseman John Moore. “We know our fans are going to be rocking. There’s obviously advantages strategically that come with home ice.”
New York can come back in this series, they just need to play fundamental New York Rangers hockey. They’ve proven in the first period of both games to have what it takes to win, but they need to figure out how to close out Los Angles. It has gotten to a point where Henrik needs to start stealing games for the Rangers.
Game Prediciton
Rangers 4-3