Series: Tied 2-2

NYR Leading Scorer: Brad Richards (6-8-14)
NJD Leading Scorer: Ilya Kovalchuk (6-8-14)

NYR Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (18 GS, 1.66 GAA, .940 SV%)
NJD Goaltender: Martin Brodeur (16 GS, 2.05 GAA, .920 SV%)

Rangers Projected Lines:

Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Chris Kreider
Brandon Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan
Ruslan Fedotenko-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Mike Rupp-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Anton Stralman
Michael Del Zotto-Stu Bickel

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start.

Probable Scratches/Injuries: Mike Sauer (concussion), Mats Zuccarello (wrist), John Mitchell (healthy), Jeff Woywitka (healthy), John Scott (healthy), Steve Eminger (healthy)

Preview: It all comes down to 5-on-5 forechecking. The Devils have been excellent at executing their aggressive forecheck and pinning the Rangers in their zone for prolonged periods of time. The Rangers were the masters of forechecking during the regular season, but have slowly seen that aspect of their game erode as the playoffs have progressed.

The Rangers need to dig deep and rediscover that ability as a team or it is going to be more of the same. This means winning faceoffs, better outlet passes from our defensemen, and better puck support from our forwards. All hands on deck. No scapegoats. Let’s go.

Crazy Thought: Rangers start strong and finish strong.

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