We can hide behind that, "once they clinched try had nothing to try hard for" mantra but you can keep that bs, as far as I am concerned.

The team hasn't looked good in weeks and this isn't exactly a powerhouse club, that can just turn it on at the drop of a dime.

A team thriving on effort and overall solid team defense, that dials it back a bit can't just turn it back on because we expect them to.

And the fact that Ottawa has no problem playing in MSG scares the sh!t out of me.

Spezza, Alfredsson, Michalek and Karlsson are all scary offensively. Anderson also has the ability to steal a game or two.

All of my doubts will be squelched if New York comes out with their trademark intensity and takes it to Ottawa Thursday night.

But it's a dangerous game to play when you take your foot off of the gas pedal, especially with such an inexperienced playoff team like the Rangers.
- MidnightMarauder

as Rangers fans, of course we are going to focus more on the fact that the Rangers haven't played well as of late, but when you look at it, unquestionably Ottawa has been much worse than us lately.

Never realized Washington owned the tiebreaker over Ottawa.

Having said that, I am not excited for this matchup. Speed, toughness, depth on defense and some solid finishers can make this series a problem for New York.

I am with you and think the Rangers will win in six but I am not overly confident with that prediction.

The Rangers have used the "looking forward to the playoffs" excuse these last two games.

But if you think about it, they looked awful all week long. That Flyers game they got outplayed drastically; Bryzgalov sucking was the Rangers saving grace.

Not trying to be a buzz kill but judging by how they looked, against four playoff bound teams this week, doesn't inspire a lot going into the first round.

Having said that, Let's Go Rangers!
- MidnightMarauder

I can see the pundits picking Ottawa in a big upset, the doubters have been there all year, that won't change now that were the #1 seed. Hopefully they come out like savage bloodhounds on Thursday & really set the tone for the series. Garden will be rocking!

as Rangers fans, of course we are going to focus more on the fact that the Rangers haven't played well as of late, but when you look at it, unquestionably Ottawa has been much worse than us lately.
- jimbro83

Hate to always go back to 94 but I remember them losing 2 of 3 or 3 of 4 to close out that regular season including getting beat by the Isles who they then played a week later & I think we all remember what happened in that series.

I can see the pundits picking Ottawa in a big upset, the doubters have been there all year, that won't change now that were the #1 seed. Hopefully they come out like savage bloodhounds on Thursday & really set the tone for the series. Garden will be rocking!
- B2B76

I don't think it would even be a horrible pick to pick Ottawa. In today's NHL, there are not easy first round matchups, and there wouldn't have been a single matchup in the East (with the possible exception of Florida) that Rangers fans wouldn't have been nervous about. If the Rangers are going to do anything in these playoffs, every series is going to be tough. They are going to scratch and claw for every piece of ice, continue to sacrafice themselves on the defensive end, and Hank is going to have to be excellent. These things are no secrets. This is how the Rangers are going to win, if they do.

Nothing was ever going to be easy, and while Ottawa will be a challenge, who wouldn't have been? It's nailbiting time, gents. I say we have fun with the journey no matter where it ends up.

as Rangers fans, of course we are going to focus more on the fact that the Rangers haven't played well as of late, but when you look at it, unquestionably Ottawa has been much worse than us lately.
- jimbro83

True Ottawa is struggling too but the eighth seed will have no pressure on them, as opposed to the top seed having a lot by way of expectations.

I think the Rangers will move on to the second round but I wouldn't be surprised to see this go the distance.

I don't think it would even be a horrible pick to pick Ottawa. In today's NHL, there are not easy first round matchups, and there wouldn't have been a single matchup in the East (with the possible exception of Florida) that Rangers fans wouldn't have been nervous about. If the Rangers are going to do anything in these playoffs, every series is going to be tough. They are going to scratch and claw for every piece of ice, continue to sacrafice themselves on the defensive end, and Hank is going to have to be excellent. These things are no secrets. This is how the Rangers are going to win, if they do.

Nothing was ever going to be easy, and while Ottawa will be a challenge, who wouldn't have been? It's nailbiting time, gents. I say we have fun with the journey no matter where it ends up.
- Pete V

Great points Pete, lets enjoy the ride.

Hate to always go back to 94 but I remember them losing 2 of 3 or 3 of 4 to close out that regular season including getting beat by the Isles who they then played a week later & I think we all remember what happened in that series.
- B2B76

Glorious 1994, we'll see starting Thursday night.

Great points Pete, lets enjoy the ride.
- B2B76

We can all agree that a first round loss will erase all of the good feelings this team gave us this season.

Did Sather send the private jet for Kreider yet?

We can all agree that a first round loss will erase all of the good feelings this team gave us this season.
- MidnightMarauder

Honestly, if they dont make it to the ECF, I think it erases all the good feelings.

Did Sather send the private jet for Kreider yet?
- aecliptic

not yet, he just sent Jeff Gorton to try and lure Kreider away for party central.

We can all agree that a first round loss will erase all of the good feelings this team gave us this season.
- MidnightMarauder

They are going to win in 5, so we don't have anything to worry about.

The Caps in round 2, however, are going to be tough. That one will probably take 7.

We can all agree that a first round loss will erase all of the good feelings this team gave us this season.
- MidnightMarauder

no doubt, that would be devestating

They are going to win in 5, so we don't have anything to worry about.

The Caps in round 2, however, are going to be tough. That one will probably take 7.
- Pete V

I still think it is NJ in round 2, if the Rangers make it that far. I just don't see Holtby outplaying Thomas.

I still think it is NJ in round 2, if the Rangers make it that far. I just don't see Holtby outplaying Thomas.
- TPC

I know that the regular season now has to be thrown out the window but the caps did do a nice job vs. TIMMY this year.

Whoa boy
http://m.nypost.com/p/spo...se_5hzTZmHXH99XRT5dVC4VZK

Stan Fischler ‏ @StanFischler Reply Retweet Favorite · Open

Devils vs. Panthers will be a toughie. Scott Clemmensen will be mighty motivated. Cats gave NJ trouble all year. I see this going distance.


5m Stan Fischler ‏ @StanFischler Reply Retweet Favorite · Open

Rangers-Ottawa should be relatively simple for the Blueshirts. Biggest challenge will be Sens sharp goalie Craig Anderson.

So my question of the day is whose resurrection was more impressive, Jesus or Derek Stepan's?

I'm going with Stepan, and I'm glad he's OK, because the way Torts was acting I thought he was dead.

Disclaimer: Please take this post in the humorous spirit in which it is intended and have a nice Easter. Peace on Earth and goodwill towards men, even Ranger fans

Whoa boy
http://m.nypost.com/p/spo...se_5hzTZmHXH99XRT5dVC4VZK
- Bannedforbros

BRAVO Brooks!!!

So my question of the day is whose resurrection was more impressive, Jesus or Derek Stepan's?

I'm going with Stepan, and I'm glad he's OK, because the way Torts was acting I thought he was dead.

Disclaimer: Please take this post in the humorous spirit in which it is intended and have a nice Easter. Peace on Earth and goodwill towards men, even Ranger fans


- Emperor Filonius

neither, sindny crosby wins that award.

You guys are excellent fans. Quiet confidence in your team (for the most part) without disrespecting the Senators.

The Rangers weren't the #1 seed for nothing. The experts predicting this to be an upset for Ottawa haven't got much reason for thinking so... The Senators are going to have to bring their A+ game to beat New York because I don't see them choking this year.

You guys are excellent fans. Quiet confidence in your team (for the most part) without disrespecting the Senators.

The Rangers weren't the #1 seed for nothing. The experts predicting this to be an upset for Ottawa haven't got much reason for thinking so... The Senators are going to have to bring their A+ game to beat New York because I don't seem them choking this year.
- Mr_Clean

imagine if the sens played the penguins. pens fans would tell you to go home an never come back becuase, well, you're not pittsburgh.

imagine if the sens played the penguins. pens fans would tell you to go home an never come back becuase, well, you're not pittsburgh.
- blacksheep1

Cause Flyers fans would be more gracious.

Cause Flyers fans would be more gracious.
- aecliptic

flyers and gracious should not be in the same sentence

Cause Flyers fans would be more gracious.
- aecliptic

well bodiva and flyersrock are least respectful to us ranger fans. Pens fans are the biggest Richards in the world.