Rangers, Capitals to Face Off in First Round of Playoffs
Longtime Rivals to Battle for Eastern Conference Supremacy
Article Synopsis:
The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals will renew their heated rivalry in the Eastern Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The two teams have met 10 times in the postseason, with the Capitals holding a slim 6-4 edge. The series is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams boasting talented rosters and plenty of experience.
Capitals Clinch Playoff Berth in Final Game of Regular Season
The Washington Capitals clinched the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference in its 82nd and final game of the regular season. The Capitals defeated the New York Islanders 4-3 in overtime to secure their spot in the postseason. Alex Ovechkin scored the game-winning goal for the Capitals, his 52nd of the season. Ovechkin is now tied with Wayne Gretzky for the most goals scored in a single season by a Russian-born player.
Rangers Enter Playoffs as Division Champions
The New York Rangers finished the regular season with a record of 52-24-6, good for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Rangers won their last five games of the regular season to clinch the division title. Artemi Panarin led the Rangers in scoring during the regular season, with 96 points (22 goals, 74 assists). Igor Shesterkin was outstanding in goal for the Rangers, posting a 2.29 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage.
Prediction:
The Rangers and Capitals are evenly matched on paper, so this series is likely to go the distance. The Rangers have the home-ice advantage, but the Capitals have more experience in the playoffs. Ovechkin is always a threat to score, but the Rangers have a deep and talented roster. Ultimately, I believe the Rangers will win the series in seven games.
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