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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 /
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New York Rangers
Mar 27, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is congratulated by teammates after defeating the New York Rangers in overtime at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins defeated the Rangers 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

– Penguins Win

The Rangers appear to be outmatched on paper against the Penguins, who were one of the teams in the Eastern Conference that nobody wanted to play because of how well they have been doing. The disadvantage on special teams is going to be a big problem for the Rangers, as it will be hard to upset the Penguins if they struggle on the power play.

The struggles of Lundqvist the past month and a half is easily the main reason why it is hard to have faith in the Rangers to pull off the upset. If Lundqvist and the Rangers’ defense have been able to get it together in the time off before the series starts, they will have a shot, but nothing has shown that of late.

In recent years, there has been the expectation of winning a Stanley Cup, but this season for the Rangers it will go series by series. The Penguins would love to send the Rangers home quickly this season, and they have all the tools to do so.

With the Rangers being outmatched in a lot of areas, this series won’t last long, as the Penguins will dispose of the Rangers rather quickly.

Prediction: Penguins win in five games

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