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| Via: northjersey.com |
New York Rangers @ Washington Capitals (12:30pm ET)
TV: NBC, RDS, TSN
Series: 1-0 Capitals
The focus for the Rangers in game two will to improve on special teams. They took far too many penalties in game one, allowed a power play goal against, and couldn't score on any of their own power play chances including a 5 on 3 three that lasted almost a full minute. The Captials will be looking for the same effort they displayed in game one, where they dominated faceoffs, carried much of the possession and got a great performance from goaltender Braden Holtby. The Rangers may get a boost from the return of Ryan Clowe, Marc Staal, Derek Dorsett or Brian Boyle, all of whom are game time decisions tonight. Henrik Lundvist will again get the start in net for the Rangers opposite Holtby. Prediction: 3-2 Caps.
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Boston Bruins (7:00pm ET)
TV: CBC, RDS, CNBC, NESN
Series: 1-0 Bruins
It was a rude welcome to the playoffs for the Leafs, as Boston manhandled them all over the ice in game one. The Leafs only managed 20 shots and couldn't match the work ethic and execution of the veteran Bruins. They'll need a better performance tonight from leading scorer Phil Kessel, who only manged one shot on goal in 13:51 minutes of ice time in game one. In injury news, Toronto's Michael Kostka is out after suffering a broken finger in game one, and Cody Franson is day to day. As result Ryan O'Byrne and Jake Gardiner may both draw into the lineup. Additionally, coach Randy Carlyle will be mixing the lines up front in hopes to produce more offense. The Bruins will be without defenseman Andrew Ference, who is serving his one game suspension. It'll be Reimer and Rask between the pipes again tonight. Prediction: 4-2 Bruins.
Anaheim Ducks @ Detroit Red Wings (7:30pm ET)
TV: TSN, NBCSN, FoxSports-D
Series: 1-1
The series shifts back to Detroit for game three, after the Wings managed a split on the road to take home ice advantage. After scoring three goals in the third period in game two, the Ducks know they can force the Wings to make mistakes if they really push the offense. The key for both teams will be to improve on the penalty kill, though Detroit has had the advantage five on five so far. Wing's rookie defenseman Danny Dekeyser is likely out for the rest of the playoffs with a broken thumb and fellow rookie Brian Lasahoff will take his place in the lineup according to coach Mike Babcock. The Ducks are still without defenseman Luca Sbisa. Despite giving up five goals in game two, Jonas Hiller will get the start again instead of Viktor Fasth. Jimmy Howard has also struggled in this series but will get the call for the Wings. Prediction: 4-3 (OT) Wings
St. Louis Blues @ Los Angeles Kings (10:00pm ET)
TV: CBC, RDS, NBCSN, FoxSports-W
Series: 2-0 Blues
The Blues won both games on home ice but now must head to the Staples Center in LA, where the Kings lost only four times all season. This series has turned out to be the low scoring affair that many suspected it would be, as both games so far have ended in a 2-1 score. Much of the cause of that can be attributed to the two goalies, Brian Elliot and Jonathan Quick. Elliot has been simply outstanding, continuing his hot play from the end of the regular season and stopping 56 of 58 total shots through two games so far. Aside from one horrible giveaway that cost the Kings game one, Quick has been his equal but will have to be even better as this series has become a game of inches. There will likely be no lineup changes tonight as the Kings Matt Greene remains on the shelf with an undisclosed injury and the Blues Jamie Langenbrunner isn't expected back for another few weeks. Look for another low scoring and hard-fought game tonight in this hugely entertaining series.
Prediction: 3-1 Kings.
It looks like it's going to be another great night of playoff action in the NHL. I'd love to hear your predictions for the games in the comment section, please tell me how wrong I am! And don't forget to share on the social media platform of your choice if you like the content here at WAAP. Stay tuned for more updates, and a special contest I will be announcing soon! Today's gif brought to you by Barret Jackman's beauty shot to win game two for the Blues:
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