Rangers vs. Penguins Series Preview

As the start of the series swiftly approaches, I will break down each aspect of the series that will determine the outcome. First off, the matchups between the two teams:

Jagr vs. Self: Pittsburgh fans will most definitely be booing him after leaving Pittsburgh a few years ago. Historically, he has not played well in Pittsburgh. If Jagr can get over the personal demons that he left in Pittsburgh, and continues his very stellar play, things could get difficult for the Penguins.

Pittsburgh offense vs. Henrik Lundqvist: If Henrik shows up to play this series and plays his A game, the Rangers will certainly be the favorites to overcome the Penguins. However, if Lundqvist is just average this series, the Rangers are heading for a quick exit. Henrik Lundqvist needs to exhibit his Vezina finalist game if the Rangers are to contend.

Rangers offensive depth vs. Pittsburgh defense: Pittsburgh has a very solid defensive core, whom are very tight, yet are very beatable. Facing three New York offensive lines that are very capable of scoring will test the strength of the Pittsburgh defense, as well as Marc Andre Fleury, the young goaltender of the Penguins. Pittsburgh has the firepower to score 3 goals in an average game. The Rangers' top guns need to come out firing as well.

Now for advantages:

Offense-You have to love the balanced scoring that the Rangers have, but the hard work of Crosby and the pure skill of Malkin merely headline the very high-octane Pittsburgh offense. High scoring games are definitely in store this series

Edge: Pittsburgh

Defense-The Rangers play a very solid team defense, often with the forwards helping out on the backcheck. The Penguins defensive corps is very experienced save Letang, but they are getting slower.

Let's call this one even-Push

Goaltending: Lundqvist is a Vezina nominee in his first three years that he has been in the league. Any questions?

Edge: New York



Final Prediction: Sean Avery was definitely a huge part of the Rangers success against the Devils in the Conference quarterfinals. He threw Brodeur off his game enough that he gave up 3 or more goals in 4 of the 5 games in the series. It is hard to say who Avery's target will be this time around, but with Colton Orr slated to be in the lineup tonight, Avery will be able to focus his attention towards the star players on Pittsburgh. Who will it be? Crosby? Malkin? Hossa?Fleury? Gonchar? Only time will tell. However, bank on him chatting amicably with one of these players.

On the big picture, both teams are coming off an extended rest, so I expect the rust factor to be a prevalent theme in the first 2 games of the series. The Pittsburgh offense will come out firing early, but if the Rangers defense and Lundqvist do their job, I can see the Rangers stealing a couple of games at the Mellon Arena. This will be a very hard, fought out series that will be determined by defense and goaltending. Mistakes in the defensive end will determine the outcomes of most games. I would not be a Ranger fan if I didn't say that the referees will play an integral part in the series as well. The Rangers better be careful when the poster boy of the league Sidney Crosby has the puck. The Rangers will most likely be on the penalty kill if any them do as much as sneeze on Crosby. Conspiracy theories aside, staying out of the box and penalty killing will be very important for the Rangers.

As for how I think it will play out, the first couple of games will be very hardly fought, but the Rangers will lose either Game 1 or 2. Marian Hossa will put on his disappearing act again in the playoffs against the Rangers, but secondary scorers like Staal and Sykora will step up in a big way for the Penguins. Lundqvist will continue his amazing play, and the Rangers will be for the most part average offensively.....until they lose a game on a questionable penalty, most likely in Game 3 or 4 at the Garden. The Rangers, however, will rally around this game and not put their heads in the sand. They will put it together, courtesy of some timely scoring from the Rangers vets in the closing games. The first Stanley Cup for Sidney Crosby will have to wait at least one more year.

Rangers in 6