Rangers vs Kings Stanley Cup Preview
The matchup is set – it’ll be East Coast vs West Coast for all the marbles after the Kings officially dethroned the Blackhawks in their own living room. While the Blueshirts were coasting through their 3rd of 5 straight off-days, Los Angeles was fighting off deficits against the defending champs before punching their Finals ticket in OT. They’ve undoubtedly scratched and clawed through the tougher path to get here. Having to reel off 4 straight to upend the Sharks before taking down the Ducks & Hawks in road Game 7’s is a testament to how this team is built. The Kings are unflappable & seemingly unbeatable in a seven game series. Still, if people said the Bruins softened up the Habs for the Rangers, it’s certainly possible the better conference has done the same to LA over the past month. So can the Blueshirts be the ones to knock them out?
If the goaltending for both teams keeps going as it’s been these playoffs, it’s obviously advantage – Lundqvist. Since Game 7 against Philly, Hank’s surrendered more than 2 just 3 of 14 games. Meanwhile, Team USA backstop Jonathan Quick was lit for 3+ in 5 of 7 against the Hawks. Sure, the Rangers don’t have the firepower Chicago’s packing, but it’s obvious Quick is far from the 2012 world-beater form that got him his first ring & the Conn Smythe. And while some may say Lundqvist hasn’t faced a team as potent as the Kings have been these playoffs, he did knock off 2 of the 3 top Eastern Conference offenses. Meanwhile, LA was one of the lowest scoring teams all year. They’ve broken out at the right time, but haven’t faced a goalie near the caliber of #30.
Now this is gonna be fun to watch for any hockey fan. Two of the league’s top all-around blueliners for the next decade will be on display again for the world to see, except this will be better than the Olympics. Drew Doughty is easily the Kings’ playoff MVP, eating up almost 28 minutes a game & tallying 3G/4A in the WCF. On the other side, Ryan McDonagh’s on fire after notching 2G/8A in just 6 games against Montreal. Both will be instrumental in their teams’ success – the question is how the other 5 will fare. The Staal/Stralman pairing has been excellent for the Rangers & Kevin Klein’s acquisition has proven to be a huge win. While Jake Muzzin’s making a bit of a name for himself alongside Doughty, I think the speed & depth of the NY forwards can take advantage of LA’s 2nd & 3rd pairs. Slight edge to the Blueshirts here.
Here’s where the problem lies for the Rangers. They honestly have no answer up the middle for Kopitar/Carter/Stoll/M. Richards. Kings might win 70% of the draws this series with Stepan/Brassard/B. Richards getting smoked all post-season already. The Kopitar/Gaborik tandem have cooled off some but are still dangerous. Carter lit up the Hawks for 11 points while centering “That 70’s Line” flanked by a couple of kids in Pearson & Toffoli holding their own on the big stage. And when it gets to crunch time, there’s no one better when it matters most than Justin Williams. Still, in the regular season only Kopitar had more than 50 points. I understand the playoffs are a different beast, but the Blueshirts defense and goaltending is capable of bringing them back down to earth. It won’t be easy – and skill-wise, the advantage here is clearly in the Kings favor. NY’s speed & depth up front will be put to the test if they’re gonna keep up.
Home ice doesn’t look like it’ll be a factor here. Both squads have road records identical to or better than records under their own roof. However, the NYR PK will have to shut down another PP unit that’s coming in hot – similar to how they held the Habs to a mere 2-23. The catch-22 of this series is that, even if the Rangers can dictate play and keep these games defensive battles, the Kings can play that style too.
The Blueshirts are just gonna have to do it better if they want to pull off the upset and bring the Cup to Broadway for the first time in 20 years. While LA has been here before & shown unbelievable mettle to return, this NY team has come too far out of nowhere for me to bet against them. Lundqvist has been waiting almost a decade for this opportunity. St. Louis & Dom Moore are fueled by a little more than just hockey right now. Effort guys like Kreider, Hags & Zuccarello will have their motors well-rested. McDonagh is looking to make the Rangers “his” team. The camaraderie this squad has built since they were left for dead against Pittsburgh counts for something, and I think that mojo will be what helps them steal the game or two that’ll make the difference.
Prediction: Rangers in 6