New York traded away most of its best forwards but seemed to not take much out of their sails as they went 15-5 in their last 20 games. Chris Mason has been leading the Rangers Revival as they hope to get through the first round against Toronto. Meanwhile, Toronto is annoyed about playing Buffalo 8 times in the regular season or else they might have challenged for a playoff spot.
The Offense - Winners - Toronto
Rangers GM traded away their leading scorers Paul Kariya and Brian Rolston at the deadline, leaving them with Brendan Shanahan as their star forward with Patrick Elias and Jamie Langenbrunner as their top offensive threats.
However, in Toronto, their offensive threats are led by Mike Richards and Rick Nash and are backed up by veterans Daniel Briere and John Madden. However, the lack of depth up front could cost Toronto their chance at the cup.
The Defense - Winners - Toronto
Kimmo Timonen was a source of debate when Chicago traded away Timonen at a higher price than what they paid for him. However, he's a solid anchor on the Maple Leafs blueline alongside Komisarek. The Leafs also have solid depth with Tallinder, Erskine, Salvador and Morrisonn and young star Marc Staal.
Although Brian Rafalski had a solid season with 55 points, the depth on the blueline is sorely lacking. Though Robidas and Johnsson are solid defensemen, after the top 3 New York starts to struggle.
The goaltending - Winners - New York Rangers
Rangers have the edge with Mason playing outside his head with a 2.15 GAA and .917 SV% in 26 games with the Rangers. Mason has been the reason why the Rangers are in the playoffs and have the edge in the playoffs to do so.
DiPietro has struggled in Toronto, recently nicknamed the non-arousing city by the BBC, and it shows in DiPietro's play as he's been struggling to bring his play up. A relatively unremarkable .892 SV% and 2.47 GAA will have to improve if Toronto wants any success in the playoffs.
Who wins?
Though Mason might steal a couple games for New York, I see Toronto edging it out in 6.
-- Edited by BluesGM on Saturday 18th of April 2009 11:08:44 AM
Series has been even so far, which was my prediction, though Toronto was lucky to come back in Game 2 after New York has made quick starts in both games scoring twice in the first in game 1 and three times in game 2.
Surprises of the Series thus far:
Sergei Samsonov - 4 points in 2 games is tied for the points lead
Ryan Johnson - Should be defensively aware but has also chipped in with 3 points
Special Teams - New York perfect on PK and has scored twice on the PP
Mike Richards - Leading by example with 3 points in two games along with 12 hits in the two games
After going up 3-1 in the series in game 4, the Rangers had a chance to close out the series in Game 5 but were embarrassed 10-3 by Toronto. Whether the Leafs scored the rest of their goals and will come up empty against the Rangers in game 6 will yet to be determined.
Surprises of the Series thus far:
Rick Nash - His 4 goal effort in Game 5 now puts his 1st in scoring with 8 goals.
Mike Richards - The opposite of Nash, instead of 8 goals, 1 assist - Richards has 1 goal, 8 assists
Ryan Johnson - Checking line winger has continued his impressive series with 3 goals and 2 assists
Physical Series - Leads all playoff series with 377 hits through 5 games
