The Rangers, in what was a meaningless game to them, closed out the regular season in fine fashion. A 4-2 win over the Capitals set franchise records for wins, with 53, and points, 113, in a season. They head into the post-season as the top seed in the East and NHL.
While Rick Nash (rest), Marc Staal (lower-body injury) and Kevin Klein (fractured arm) did not suit up today, I fully expect all three in the lineup Thursday, when the Blueshirts are expected to open the postseason. The good news today, besides no serious injuries, were: Henrik Lundqvist winning his 30th game for the ninth time in his first 10 seasons, with the only year he missed the strike-shortened campaign; Derick Brassard hitting 60 points, Kevin Hayes remaining hot by notching his 17th goal with an assist, Martin St. Louis adding two helpers, Dominic Moore with another goal and seeing Tanner Glass stepping up to fight Tim Gleason in defense of James Sheppard.
Playoff Schedule: New York Rangers (M1) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (W2)
G1 Thurs., April 16 Pittsburgh @ NY Rangers, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, CBC
G2 Sat., April 18 Pittsburgh @ NY Rangers, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, CBC
G3 Mon., April 20 NY Rangers @ Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, CBC
G4 Wed., April 22 NY Rangers @ Pittsburgh, 7 p.m./4 p.m. PT, SN 360
G5* Fri., April 24 Pittsburgh @ NY Rangers, TBD, TBD
G6* Sun., April 26 NY Rangers @ Pittsburgh, TBD, TBD
G7* Tues., April 28 Pittsburgh @ NY Rangers, TBD, TBD
Moving forward, I will post my Behind the Numbers, Looking for an Advantage column and my overall Cup predictions. Pittsburgh beckons on Thursday, so we have four days to get the juices really flowing. For now, enjoy the below videos to start getting you ready for the playoffs:
ajcastiglia: