How the Rangers and Senators match up
Chris Neil #25 of the Ottawa Senators checks Andre Deveaux #33 of the New York Rangers along the boards during an NHL game at Scotiabank Place. (Nov. 9, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
MATCHUPS
The Senators are speedier and can create deadly odd-man rushes off transition plays in the neutral zone, while the Rangers rely on an aggressive cycle and forecheck. Jason Spezza (34-50-84), Milan Michalek (35-25-60) and captain Daniel Alfredsson (27-32-59) are a dangerous top three. The Rangers counter with Marian Gaborik (41-35-76), Brad Richards (25-41-66) and Ryan Callahan (29-25-54). The Senators scored 23 more goals in the regular season than the Blueshirts and the 5-on-5 difference-maker could be secondary scoring: Derek Stepan, Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov for the Rangers, Colin Greening, Kyle Turris and Nick Foligno for Ottawa. EDGE: SENATORS
The Rangers' tenacious blueliners, led by Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh, have been a revelation; the Rangers allowed only 187 goals, or 2.22 per game. Ottawa surrendered 240, the most among playoff teams, on an average of 32 shots per game. Along with Marc Staal, who is slowly improving after missing the first half of the season with post-concussion symptoms, Michael Del Zotto has added some physical play to his game. And the Blueshirts have maintained their close-checking style all season. The Senators have offensively gifted Erik Karlsson, a Norris Trophy candidate, but are thin beyond that, with aging Sergei Gonchar in the mix. EDGE: RANGERS
The teams have opposite strengths and weaknesses. Although slightly better the past two weeks, the Rangers' power play finished 23rd in the NHL with a 15.7-percent success rate. If the first unit clicks with Stepan and Del Zotto on the points it will be a tremendous boost for the Blueshirts. If it sputters, it will cost them in both momentum and confidence. With the man advantage, the Senators were 11th; Spezza and Michalek had 10 goals apiece. The Rangers will need to stay out of the penalty box. On the penalty-kill, the Rangers were ranked fifth, killing 86.2 percent; the Senators were 20th. EDGE: EVEN
Both the passionate John Tortorella, who has one Stanley Cup under his belt, and first-year bench boss Paul MacLean, a former Red Wings assistant under Mike Babcock, are legitimate candidates for the Jack Adams Award as top coach. Tortorella, who has instilled a work ethic up and down the lineup, will have the last change at home and will likely rely on three lines and two defensive pairs. MacLean is more stoic but also has shown the ability to motivate players and surely will use the underdog role as No. 8 seed to his advantage. EDGE: RANGERS
Home ice advantage: The Rangers were 27-11-2 at home.
Key stat: In the six seasons since the lockout, teams in the Eastern Conference that won the first game of the first round are 15-9 in those series.
Third periods: The Rangers have been superb in holding leads in the final period, 30-0-3 when leading after the second. The Senators, however, scored 102 third-period goals, third-most in the league.
PREDICTION: RANGERS IN 6
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