5 Key Matchups In New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals Series

By Dominic Lancella

5 Key Matchups To Watch In Capitals vs. Rangers Series

New York Rangers v Washington Capitals — With the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs set to begin, the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals will clash in the postseason once again. It’s the fifth time since 2009 that the two teams will meet in the playoffs, and these squads know one another quite well. Here are five key matchups to follow during their second-round series.

5. Rangers' Top Line vs. Washington Defensemen

Derick Brassard New York Rangers

5. Rangers' Top Line vs. Washington Defensemen

Derick Brassard New York Rangers — The Rangers will feature a top line of Derick Brassard, Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis, who is taking the spot of the injured Mats Zuccarello. Brassard and Zuccarello have great chemistry, and seeing how the top line does without the playmaking ability of Zuccarello is key.

4. Kevin Klein vs. Nicklas Backstrom

Nickals Backstrom Washington Capitals

4. Kevin Klein vs. Nicklas Backstrom

Nicklas Backstrom Washington Capitals — Kevin Klein returns to New York’s lineup for the first time since March 11, and he will have to deal with the exceptional playmaking ability of Backstrom, who had three goals and three assists in round one. Backstrom is a gifted passer, and Klein has to do well to limit the passing lanes. It’s a tough spot for Klein to be thrust into, and his play will be important to watch early in the series.

3. New York's Speed vs. Washington Forwards

Carl Hagelin New York Rangers

3. New York's Speed vs. Washington Forwards

Carl Hagelin New York Rangers — The Rangers can dominate teams with their speed, and the Caps need their forwards to slow the Rangers down in the neutral zone. It’s a huge element to New York’s game and the team’s success this season. It has to be a key for the Capitals, as the Washington forwards need to keep the pressure on New York at all times.

2. Rick Nash vs. Braden Holtby

Braden Holtby Washington Capitals

2. Rick Nash vs. Braden Holtby

Braden Holtby Washington Capitals — Holtby posted a 1.63 goals against average and a .943 save percentage in round one despite being a backup for one game. He has to continue to build his confidence for this series. Nash also needs to stay positive, as he knows that a lot is riding on his production in the playoffs. Nash had one goal and three assists in round one, and he needs to build off of that. This is a huge matchup to watch, as the Rangers would love to get Nash hot.

1. Rangers' Penalty Killing vs. Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin Washington Capitals

1. Rangers' Penalty Killing vs. Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin Washington Capitals — Everyone knows how dangerous Ovechkin is on the power play, but it doesn’t make him any easier to stop. Washington’s success might coincide with how the power play fares, and Ovechkin is the key to that. The Rangers gave up two power play goals in the first round, but zero in the four games that they won. It’s all about which side is going to execute better in power play situations.

Teams in this article »

New York Rangers

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Washington Capitals

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