Round Two Preview: Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers

 The Caps had an epic Game 7 win against the Islanders but now it is time to turn the focus to the 2nd Round has the Caps will take on the defending Eastern Conference Champion Rangers who took down the Pittsburgh Penguins in five games in their first round series. They took 3 out of 4 against the Caps in the regular season. Here is the schedule for the series though I believe Game 7 date will depend on the Game 7 winner in the Red Wings/Lightning Series.

Game 1: Thursday April 30th at. New York Rangers 7:30 p.m on NBCSN
Game 2: Saturday May 2nd at. New York Rangers 12:30 p.m on NBC
Game 3: Monday May 4th at. Washington 7:30 p.m on NBCSN
Game 4: Wednesday May 6th at. Washington 7:30 p.m on NBCSN
Game 5: Friday May 8th at. New York Rangers 7:00 p.m on NBCSN
Game 6: Sunday May 10th at. Washington TBD for TV and Time
Game 7: Tuesday May 12th or Wednesday May 13th at. New York Rangers TBD TV and Time (Date depends on Tampa/Detroit series winner)


Forwards:

The Caps forwards did well against the Islanders for the most part. Guys like Joel Ward, Jason Chimera, and Game 7 hero Evgeny Kuznetsov played very well and we big reasons for the series win. Against the Rangers they will need to be good because the Rangers have always done a good job against Alex Ovechkin.
  The Rangers have a very good group of forwards but they will be without Mats Zuccarello. However, they have a very deep group, Derek Brassard had a good first round and they have Rich Nash. They also have Cap Killer Martin St. Louis. They play with speed and can play heavy as well.


Defense:

 The Caps defense corp played well as well against the Islanders. Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen have brought leadership and John Carlson and Karl Alzner had very good series as well. They will have to play their best to stop these forwards the Rangers have.
  The Rangers have a very very strong defense corp lead by Ryan McDonough and Dan Girardi. Not only that but they have Keith Yandle and veteran Dan Boyle. Not to mention Marc Stall as well. It's going to be a good challenge for the Caps.

Goalies:

 Braden Holtby was sick the first two game against the Islanders but when he was healthy he was good. The goal he gave up in Game 7 was not good but for the most part he was very strong. Holts knows the Rangers pretty well playing 14 playoff games against them already in his career.
  Henrik Lundqvist is healthy and was dominant against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Caps have faced him a lot before but he is playing at a different level. Will need to score some dirty goals in this series because if he sees the puck it will be hard to score.


Prediction:

 The Rangers are the heavy favorite and I don't blame people. I have watched the Rangers a lot this season and they are an impressive team. However, I believe Barry Trotz and the Caps will play well after gaining confidence in their series win against the Islanders. If the Caps defense can play well and Braden Holtby can play well then the Caps do have atleast a chance. I am a little bias but I'm going to have faith. Caps in 7