So, the Rangers take Game 1 in perhaps a more wild affair than any of us -- at least I -- could have ever expected. As Dan Rosen at NHL.com noted, the game turned into the one thing the Rangers didn't want (a shootout), yet they still came away with the win. How?
1) The Rangers offense looked better than it has. Antropov, Naslund, and even Gomez managed to come through when it counted. Dubinksy's game winner was quite pretty. It's little known that Jeff Schultz was actually mic'd up for this game:
2) Jose Theodore did not play a strong game. While each Capitals goal either came on a re-direct or through traffic in front, each Rangers tally was on a shot fired straight at the net. If the Caps want a chance at winning a game in this series (and yes, I'm serious), Jose has to step up a bit.
3) Ovechkin didn't play as strong of a game as every one is saying. Yes, he shot the puck often -- but too much. He was too predictable for the sharp Henrik Lundqvist.
This game was absolutely crucial. Once the Rangers went up 3-1, they HAD to win, even if they did blow the lead. Heading into Game 2, all the pressure is on the Caps. If the Rangers steal a game (hopefully this time they'll be playing with Chris "perfect pushup" Drury in the lineup), we could be looking at a very short series. But, the pressure is not on the Rangers. This was the game they had to win.
I still predict the Rangers to come out on top when it's all said and done.
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