Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 Predictions for First Round

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) faces off against New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) during the thirdperiod at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) faces off against New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) during the thirdperiod at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
New York Rangers
Mar 27, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen (7) shoots wide of New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

– Henrik Struggles

As the Rangers have come into the playoffs limping, it is largely due to the fact the Rangers’ defense and their goalie Henrik Lundqvist has struggled. Overall this season, Lundqvist has played well for the Rangers, as he totaled a 35-21-7 record with a .920 save percentage, but it is his play of late that has raised some concern for the King.

In March, Lundqvist really began to struggle, as he totaled a 2-4-3 record, a .908 save percentage, and a shockingly high 3.38 GAA. In a small sample size in the month of March, Lundqvist was equally as bad, as he has no momentum heading into the postseason.

The matchup against the Penguins isn’t a great one for Lundqvist to try and get back into a groove, as he has a 1-2-1 record against them this season. In the four games, Lundqvist has totaled a 2.69 GAA, and .917 save percentage, as the Penguins have had his number to a degree this season. The struggles of the Rangers’ penalty kill will also be an issue for Lundqvist in this series as it doesn’t look like he is positioned for success against the Penguins.

Prediction: 3.00 GAA, .905 save percentage.

Next: Who wins?

Home/New York Rangers