New York Rangers vs Ottawa Senators: Six Players To Watch

Apr 8, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey (26) skates with the puck in front of Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Wideman (6) in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey (26) skates with the puck in front of Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Wideman (6) in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Rangers vs Ottawa Senators: Six Players To Watch
Apr 3, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) makes a save during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Craig Anderson

Anderson played a solid if not spectacular series against the Bruins in Round One. He played well enough for them to win the series, as four of the six games went to overtime. Anderson recorded one shutout in the series in Game 4, giving the Senators a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Of the 16 goalies that played multiple games in Round One, Anderson was middle of the road. He had a goal against average of 1.94, which ranked seventh. His .921 save percentage was 11th out of the 16 goalies. During the regular season, Anderson ranked ninth and second respectively playing in 40 games.

Closer to the regular season Anderson is what the Senators will need to receive. Going up against the red-hot Henrik Lundqvist means that Anderson will have to be on top of his game; you know Lundqvist will be. Anderson gave up at least three goals in half of the games in Round One and multiple goals in all but one.

He will have to cut that number down to keep pace with Lundqvist. The Senators have a solid defensive game plan in front of him, but he will need to step up his efforts in net as well.