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Capitals/Rangers: Opening Thoughts

Now that the Caps’ first-round opponent has been determined (and we’ve dumped a ton of numbers on you), it’s time to dive head-long into the series. Here are some early thoughts…

Three Things I Think I Like About The Match-up

Three Things I’m Pretty Sure I Hate About The Match-up

The Rangers penalty kill. New York has killed off 88.0% of its penalties this season, allowing just 39 power play tallies against (while scoring eight shorties). That 88% is the best single-season penalty killing rate since the Stars killed 89.2% of the power plays they faced back in 1999-2000, and they’ve actually been better than that – 91.5% effective – since Torts took over. The Rangers penalty kill against the Caps power play is perhaps the story heading into the series, and whether the Caps are closer to their 25.2% success rate or the Rangers’ 88.0% kill rate could very well determine who advances.
Henrik Lundqvist. As great as he was a season ago, King Henrik – who has been a Vezina finalist in each of the last three seasons – has more wins and a better save percentage in 2008-09. and he’s hot at the right time, having allowed more than one goal just twice in his last seven starts. He’s even got the edge in handsomeness over his Caps counterpart.
Chris Drury. Dude’s clutch. Enough said.

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