New York Rangers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here are some notes for those fans getting ready to watch Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals, which will take place in Washington, D.C. tonight.
This series is currently tied at two games apiece, following a 4-3 victory in Game 4 on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. New York enters tonight with a 210-228-8 record all-time in 446 playoff contests (118-88-2 at home and 92-140-6 on the road). The Rangers have also posted a 22-33 record all-time in Game 5 of a playoff series.
Blueshirts Bulletins:
- The Rangers have won eight of their last 1 first round playoff series.
- All of the Original Six team has qualified for the playoff this year; it is the first time since 1996.
- Since 1992, the Blueshirts have posted a 5-3 series record when tied at two games apiece, including a 2-1 series record last season. The last time the Rangers won a series 2-2 was against Washington in the 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
- The Blueshirts were the least penalized team in the NHL this season with 183 penalties and a 9.2 penalty minutes-per-game
- New York ranked third in the NHL with 1,413 hits and sixth in the league with 773 blocked shots this season.
All about the timing:
Derek Stephan notched the game-winning goal in Game 3 and 4 to become the first Ranger since Adam Graves in 1997 (May 8, May 11) to tally the game-winner in consecutive playoff games.
Making an Impact:
Derek Brassard registered his first career playoff points with a three-point effort, including a power play goal and two assists, in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Brassard’s three points were the most by a Ranger in their home playoff debut since Sergei Zubov on April. 17, 1994.
The Rangers and Capitals game will air on the NBCSN and MSG Networks, with face-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.