May 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate after defeating the Washington Capitals during the overtime period of game seven of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Capitals 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Rangers once again pulled off a comeback in a series to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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For the second straight year, the Rangers trailed 3-1 in a series, and for the second straight year they pulled off the comeback. It was a great series against the Washington Capitals, which may have been a bit unexpected for the Rangers.
Coming into the NHL Playoffs, the Rangers were the favorites to win it all after a great regular season. The Rangers won the President’s Trophy, and with that came Stanley Cup or bust expectations.
The Rangers handled the Penguins in the first-round by winning the series four games to one. In the first-round, the Penguins did push the Rangers despite it only being a five-game series. In the second-round, the Rangers would be nearly eliminated.
For most of the second-round, the Rangers’ offense struggled. The power-play unit was atrocious, and their leading goal-scorer was missing in action for most of the series. In Game 5, the Rangers were trailing by one-goal with less than two minutes to play before they had their turning point of the season.
A late-goal fromChris Kreiderwould propel the Rangers into overtime, and then their CaptainRyan McDonaghwould score the game-winner. The Rangers would then survive a flurry of shots by the Capitals in Game 6, asHenrik Lundqvisthad to make over 40 saves to help get the win.
In the thrilling Game 7, the Rangers once again trailed, but once again overcame the deficit. A power-play goal byKevin Hayes, and then the overtime winner fromDerek Stepanwould be what it took for the Rangers to advance.
After some celebration from a great series against Washington, the Rangers will have a tough task ahead of them. The Tampa Bay Lightning will be standing between the Rangers and a chance to redeem themselves in the Stanley Cup.
It will likely be another great series, and here are 5 bold predictions for the Eastern Conference Finals.
Next: Special Teams Battle
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