The New York Rangers were able to overcome the goal-scoring machine that is Rick Nash who scored over a third of the Leafs goals in the series to make a series with Atlanta. Atlanta had their own difficulties as well against Carolina whose series was closer than it looked.
While New York only had to contain Nash and Richards, they'll be hard pressed to stop the offense of Atlanta which struggled in the opening series against Carolina. Laden with a deep blueline and Kiprusoff in net, Atlanta only scored 15 goals in the series.
The Offense:
While New York were led by Matt Cullen and Jamie Langenbrunner with 7 and 6 points respectively, the biggest surprise was Ryan Johnson who chipped in with 5 points including 3 goals. Although New York's powerplay was impressive, scoring 9 powerplay goals, it must improve its 5 on 5 play as none of its team were over 0 in +/-.
The Thrashers, known throughout the league for big offensive stars, has struggled throughout the playoffs. Led by Ilja Kovalchuk with 5 points, the Thrashers will have to match and exceed the Rangers if they want to win this series. Eric Cole and Dany Heatley only had 6 points combined in the playoffs but will need to show PPG form if the Thrashers want success.
The Defense:
The Rangers defense have provided solid depth in this year's playoffs, even though Rafalski has only had 3 points all series. The Rangers are heartened that their defense step up at the right time scoring two game winners. The blueline will have to concentrate more on defensive play than offensive if they want to contain the Thrashers forwards.
The Thrasher defense has struggled in the post-season, trade deadline acquisition Brian Campbell (who has already been involved in trade rumours in the off-season) has two assists all series. Mathieu Schneider leads the Thrasher blueline with 3 points. Surely a new look for the series against New York must be needed.
The Goalies:
A strong candidate for the Vezina, Chris Mason has been subpar in the postseason. A GAA over 3 and SV% under .89 means that Mason will have to better his performance as he has showed that scoring threats like Nash can beat him easily.
Marty Turco improved from his first two games where he was a disappointment to a solid total through 6 games. A 1.91 GAA and .928 means a weakened offense will have a bigger problem scoring than they had against Toronto.
Who wins the series?
My brain says Atlanta in 5, but I'm going for an upset and say New York in 6.
Game one of this series saw the Thrashers get out to a quick start with Kovalchuk scoring a goal early in the 1st period and setting up teammate Matt Schnieder for a 2-0 lead late in the first.. Shannahan got the Rangers back in the game with a goal himself closing out the end of the first period.
In the second the Thrashers 4th line hooked up for a goal with grizzly vet C.Gratton netting a tap in on a pass from winger C.Schubert for a 3-1 lead. Shannahan again answered the two goal spread to bring the game within one goal. S.Robidas tied the game near the end of the second with a lucky bounce, on a dump in Turco went behind the net to play the puck and it hit the glass funny and bounced right in the net which tied the game at 3-3..
After coach Bab**** stressed to his team the importance of game one the team responded in the third period when Marc Savard got lose and scored a PP goal that held up to be the game one winner.
In the game the Thrashers outshot the Rangers 31 to 22..
Game two saw the Thrashers stumble out of the gate slowly as the Rangers took the early lead on the powerplay with a goal by L.Kracijek as P.Elias fed him a tapin in goal. Answering the Rangers goal was Thrashers stud A.Hemsky on a set up from linemates Marc Savard and Ilya Kovalchuk.. For the rest of the period the Thrashers peppered Chris Mason and couldnt get anything by him, after the first the Thrashers led on the shot chart 13-3.
The Rangers battled hard with 3 PP chances in the late 2nd but couldnt put anything past Marty Turco outshooting the Thrashers 11-7. Both goalies kept the game close but Atlanta had the lead going into the 3rd.
In the third Ales Hemsky got loose again coming up the right wing and blew around B.Rafalski and scored top shelf. The goal will be on the BRHL2 highlight spins for a long long time.. With the huge lift from Hemsky's goal the team carried play only giving up 4 shots the entire 3rd period for a huge 2-1 win at home to go up 2-0 in the series.
After the game coach Babrex. (it ** his name so LOL this better option) had this to say to the press, "We played ok both games at home, we feel lucky to be up 2-0 on this talented vetern Rangers squad. We gota get some better quality scoring chances though and also see some results from our PP, Turco has us up 2-0 in this series after outdueling Mika in the first he's been our best player every night we have played this postseason. Going into New York is one of the toughest things to do in our league, we will have to play our best game of the season if we wanna have a chance."
