The New York Rangers have clinched the President’s Trophy and home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The Washington Capitals have a date with the New York Islanders in the first round. Home ice in that round isn’t clinched for the Caps, a win of any form would clinch, but I don’t think that’s on their minds at the moment.
The Caps are a very scary team. They have good goaltending (finally), they have a ridiculous offense and powerplay, and their defense is finally respectable. They are a very good team. But for some reason, I think this afternoon’s game is going to be a bit boring. Neither team really has much to play for and are gearing up for the playoffs.
What have they done lately?
The Caps have clinched a playoff spot and are officially facing the Isles in the first round. The only way they will get any semblance of home ice after the first round is if underdogs reign supreme in the first round. They are a good possession team that is dangerous offensively. I’m a bit short on time at the moment, but you can check www.war-on-ice.com for their possession charts.
Caps Systems
Under Barry Trotz the Caps run a 1-1-3 lock or a 1-2-2 forecheck, which they use aggressively or conservatively depending on the game situation (e.g., puck location, the score, etc.). In the defensive zone, Trotz runs your standard zone defense. On special teams, the Caps employ a 1-3-1 power play, and a diamond/box hybrid penalty kill depending on puck location and opposition setup.
Caps Lines (usually)
Alex Ovechkin-Alex Kuznetsov-Joel Ward
Marcus Johansson-Nicklas Backstrom-Troy Brouwer
Curtis Glencross-Brooks Laich-Jason Chimera
Andre Burakovsky-Michael Latta-Stanislav Galiev
Brooks Orpik-John Carlson
Karl Alzner-Matt Niskanen
Tim Gleason-Mike Green
PP1: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer-Johansson-Carlson
PP2: Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Ward-Glencross-Carlson
PK: Laich, Brouwer, Fehr, Ward, Backstrom, Orpik, Carlson, Niskanen, Alzner
Braden Holtby gets the start.
Rangers Lines (unconfirmed)
James Sheppard-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello
Chris Kreider–Derek Stepan-J.T. Miller
Carl Hagelin–Kevin Hayes-Martin St. Louis
Tanner Glass–Dominic Moore-Jesper Fast
Keith Yandle–Ryan McDonagh
Matt Hunwick–Dan Girardi
Chris Summers-Dan Boyle
PP1: Stepan, Brassard, Kreider, Nash, Yandle
PP2: Miller, Hayes, Zuccarello, Boyle, McDonagh
PK: Stepan, Nash, Girardi, Staal, Moore, Fast, Hunwick, Boyle, Hagelin, Yandle, McDonagh
Henrik Lundqvist is in net.
Scratches/Injuries: Kevin Klein (arm), Marc Staal (healthy), Rick Nash (healthy), Ryan Bourque (healthy)
Crazy Prediction: Eight goals combined between the two teams.
Be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to the game. Game time is 12:30 pm on MSG.
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