Wow! They did it again.
Not sure if the Rangers will be able to get past Tampa Bay, but they are at least in the Eastern Conference Finals, with a chance. As Marv Levy, the former head coach of the Buffalo Bills used to say, all you can ask for is the opportunity. Then, you have to do something about it once you get there.
The fact that the Rangers still are in this thing, still have the opportunity, is pretty impressive, when you think about it. Admittedly, I thought that they were done when they went down 3-1 in the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. But they stormed back, winning the final three games to complete the turnaround and advance.
There, they met the Carolina Hurricanes, who were undefeated at home in the playoffs. The Rangers could not seem to break that, but they held serve at home in Madison Square Garden, as well. The series went the distance, to the deciding seventh game.
And here, the Rangers dominated the Hurricanes, handing them their first, and only, home loss of this postseason. What a time for them to do it!
New York took the lead early, and dominated the game, never allowing Carolina to get back into this one. It marked the second straight series that the Rangers faced elimination in consecutive games, and survived to ultimately win the series.
Now, the Rangers will face their most serious test. The defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning, who swept the number one seed Florida Panthers. Not only do the Lightning have a ton of talent, but they also are well-rested. That could work either way. Sometimes, teams that have too much rest are surprisingly cold to start the next round, and the team that went the distance very focused. But it could easily go the other way, as well.
We shall see.
Nevertheless, what an impressive run by the Rangers!
Meanwhile, I hope that Edmonton prevails in the Western Conference Finals against the Colorado Avalanche.
Let's see what happens...
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