First Round Previews: Washington vs. New York

When New York and Washington collide in the first round of the playoffs, it will be a clash of the two polar opposites of today’s NHL. The Capitals have fully embraced the new NHL since the lockout, creating one of the most exciting clubs to watch on ice over the past few seasons. Conversely, the Rangers have developed into one of the better lockdown defensive teams in the Eastern Conference. It should be interesting to see which style will prevail in one of the more intriguing matchups of the first round.

Offense: Obviously, any team that headlines its offensive act with the names Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom is already a step ahead of most other opponents. In this case, the Capitals have more than a step on the Rangers. Ovechkin and Co. have put up an impressive offensive season, finishing 3rd in the league in goals scored. Ovechkin, Semin and Backstrom all have over 70 points, while defenseman Mike Green continues to redefine the term “offensive defenseman,” posting 31 goals and 73 points of his own. The Rangers don’t have a single scorer over 60 points, and rank 28th in total offense.

Advantage: Washington

Defense: New York has ridden the stellar goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist and a philosophy of solid team defense to the playoffs. Their 6th ranked defense is the only reason they haven’t become one of the league’s doormats this season, and the late season pickup of Derek Morris from Phoenix adds a bit more grit to their blueline. Washington finished the season tied for 19th with Detroit in goals allowed. This number is more reflective of their problems in net more than their defensive corps. The Capitals have a more than capable set of blueliners on their roster, but the one drawback of their high-octane offense is the fact that it often creates odd-man rushes and scoring chances.

Advantage: New York

Goaltending: Short and to the point – Jose Theodore will need to play the way he has in some of his previous playoff series, and not the way he has all season long, or the Capitals could waste one of the best offenses in the NHL on an early exit. Theodore ranked 36th among NHL keepers in goals against this season, and posted a dismal .900 save percentage. Lundqvist continues to put up solid numbers, posting a 2.43 GAA and 38 wins in 70 appearances.

Advantage: New York

Special Teams: This is one series that, more than any other, could be decided by the referees and special teams play. Washington’s powerplay was best in the East, converting over 25% of the time, and accounting for nearly 1/3 of the Capitals offense. New York allowed only 40 powerplay goals all season, killing off nearly 88% of their penalties. When New York gets into penalty trouble, it will come down to strength against strength, and this could very well be what determines which team moves on from here

Advantage: Even

This series really has the potential to go right down to the wire. New York’s defense is good, but the Capitals still managed to dominate the season series, winning 3 games and losing the last contest in overtime. It will ultimately come down to Jose Theodore’s performance, and the Rangers’ penalty kill. However, Washington had their playoff appetites whet last season when they were ousted in the first round, and Ovechkin performs his best when in the spotlight. Washington in 7