Even though they opened their purse wide to prepare for the playoffs, the New York Rangers are in danger of elimination in the first round. After winning the first two duels in New Jersey, it could well be the descent into hell against the Devils.
Since 2011, only three teams have won Game 1 and 2 away from home before dropping out of the series. That’s what happened that year for the Montreal Canadiens.
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In the first round, the Habs had triumphed twice at TD Garden, the Boston Bruins’ home rink, then had been defeated three times in a row. The last two duels had been played in 48 hours, first at the Bell Center and then at the Garden due to a Lady Gaga concert in Montreal. The Sainte-Flanelle finally escaped the final confrontation in Boston, in overtime.
This is the fate that was also reserved in 2017 for the Edmonton Oilers, winners twice in Anaheim before losing in seven games against the Ducks in the second round. The following year, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Capitals in Washington, before seeing Alexander Ovechkin and his gang crush them in the next four games in the opening round.
“Win a Game”
Frustration begins to win the stars of the Rangers, who said they have seen others. Last year in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Blueshirts took a 2-0 lead in front of their home fans, but the Tampa Bay Lightning came out on top in all four games that followed.
History is not in favor of the New York organization, but the Rangers know what they need to improve.
“Two goals in three games won’t get you very far in the playoffs in this league. The keeper was solid, but I still don’t think we tested him enough,” forward Jimmy Vesey admitted after Thursday night’s 4-0 loss, according to the New York Post.
“Win a game [est l’objectif], said Chris Kreider. Series are made up of highs and lows, and we are in a low. If we can’t get through this, we don’t deserve a long run.”
“We have to keep our heads above water, but obviously we’re frustrated,” said Adam Fox.
The rest, the Rangers and the Devils will know it on Saturday, at Madison Square Garden. The game will be broadcast on TVA Sports 2 at 8 p.m.