Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals at. New York Rangers Game 2

 We have an early matinee today at MSG as the Caps look to get greedy and take Game 2 after their dramatic Game 1 win on Thursday. Here is the lineup for Game 2.


Forwards:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Chimera
Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer
Glencross-Laich-Wilson

Defense and Goalies:

Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Gleason-Green

Holtby
Peters


Other Notes:

*Barry Trotz gave the boys the day off yesterday after looking a bit tired after Game 1. Trotz is hoping the batteries are recharged and they can play with a little more energy.

*Alex Ovechkin was great on Thursday, but what is impressive is that it seems his leadership role has grown during this run in the playoffs. If the Caps are to take two in New York he will have to continue his strong play along with Nick Backstrom and Joel Ward.

*Speaking of Ward he is performing in the playoffs yet again, he has been strong on the boards and protecting the puck.

*Braden Holtby I thought helped the Caps weather the storm in Game 1, and again if the Caps want to win another on the road Holts will have to play a solid game again.

*First key today is to match the intensity that the Rangers are no doubt going to have at the beginning of the game. The Caps can do that by playing physical and having good defensive gaps. They can frustrate the Rangers if they Caps play well defensively.

*Another key is again like I said in Game 1, if the Caps score first they seem to play better. The scored first in Game 1 and would have won before Ward's buzzer beater if it wasn't for a lucky goal.

*Special teams will be important today too, the Caps powerplay made a difference by getting a goal on Thursday and the penalty kill has been very good. That can help the Caps today as well.

*Overall the pressure is on the Rangers to try to tie the series. However, on the flip side the Caps have a tremendous chance to steal both at MSG and put themselves in a great situation coming back home for Game 3. It is going to be a battle but it should be lots of fun to watch.


Gametime 12:30 p.m on NBC