2014 NHL Playoffs: Montreal Canadiens Have Goaltending Edge In Series vs. New York Rangers
By Steven Carollo
@metalsportsfan
Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Starting goaltender Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers is widely considered to be one of the best active goaltenders in the NHL. That being said, Lundqvist cannot seem to ever win a game in Montreal, and unfortunately for the Rangers, they will be facing the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Lundqvist’s all-time record in the Bell Centre is 4-5-2 with a 3.87 GAA and a .876 save percentage. Now, anything can happen in the playoffs, but you would figure the Canadiens know these numbers and that they are in Lundqvist’s head, and Lundqvist without a doubt knows his inability to beat the Canadiens, especially in Montreal. So, I believe the Canadiens have a definite edge in this series.
Not only will the play of Lundqvist be a factor in this series, but so will his counterpart Carey Price, who is statistically having the best season of his career and has always dominated the Rangers. In the last two seasons against Price, the Rangers have only scored a grand total of two goals. Price has shut the Rangers out three times in that time frame.
You can disagree with me all you want, but the numbers do not lie. The numbers say in this series that with Rangers’ inability to get anything past Price, and Lundqvist’s subpar record against the Canadiens, that the Canadiens actually have the goaltending advantage over the Rangers. With that being said, it will be the Canadiens that will win this series and go to their first Stanley Cup Finals since the last time they won one back in 1993.
Steven Carollo is a New York Rangers and sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, add him on Facebook, connect with him on LinkedIn, and join his Google network.
Related Links:
NHL Playoffs Series Preview: Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers
New York Rangers Must Buy Out Brad Richards or Rick Nash this Summer
New York Rangers Do Not Have Enough to Win Stanley Cup This Season
Kings Can't Afford To Overlook Rebuilding Sabres
Despite being one of, if not the best team in hockey, the Los Angeles Kings need to be on their "A" game against the lowly Sabres when the two teams faceoff at Staples Center. Read More
5 Exciting Canadiens Prospects for 2014-15
The Montreal Canadiens continue to add talent on all levels. Here are five of the most exciting prospects for the 2014-15 season. Read More
5 Interesting Facts About Sidney Crosby
Learn more about the NHL's hottest player with these five interesting facts. Read More
Top 5 Best Prospects of the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are already a relatively young team, these five players are the next wave of talent that Leaf fans can look forward to seeing. Read More
Coyotes' Top 5 Prospects of 2014-15
The Arizona Coyotes are taking their time developing prospects, but they have a good group of players ready to make the jump to the NHL. Here are there top five prospects right now. Read More
Red Wings Poised To Make Playoffs Once Again
Last season was a scare for the Red Wings, but this season is off to a much better start. Read More
Rangers' Power Play Finally Came Alive vs. Devils
The New York Rangers brought their win-streak to three games after defeating the Devils, and it looks like New York is heading in the right direction. Read More
Kings' McNabb Has Big Chance In Voynov's Absence
With the suspension of Slava Voynov, the Los Angeles Kings need Brayden McNabb to step up and start playing heavier minutes on their blue line. Read More