Getty Images Even in times when they weren’t moderate underdogs, it seemed like the Washington Capitals had one team’s number in the Alex Ovechkin era: Henrik Lundqvist‘s New York Rangers. King Henrik often kept over-matched Rangers teams in those series, yet the higher seed Caps won both series.* The third part of that trilogy will happen in the 2012 semifinals after the Rangers and Capitals won insanely close first round series.
The third edition has some interesting new wrinkles even if Lundqvist’s and Ovechkin’s names remain on top of the marquee. This time around, the Rangers are the No. 1 seed while the Capitals are the dangerous underdogs.
After jostling with equally emphatic coach Bruce Boudreau before, John Tortorella will get to soak up all the attention if Dale Hunter gets his way. Tortorella didn’t have a whole lot to tell PHT’s Joe Yerdon about the upcoming series after Game 7 yet, though.
“I haven’t even got that far yet,” Tortorella said.
That coaching difference will likely represent as big a change as who has home ice. The Rangers might very well see a little bit of themselves – or maybe their old selves – in the increasingly scrappy Capitals.
So, with all that in mind, what are your early impressions? Can Washington thrive in its underdog role again or will the Rangers get some revenge? Will Braden Holtby top Lundqvist like he did to Tim Thomas? It should be a fun one.
* The Capitals took the 2009 series in seven games and topped New York in five last year.
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Keith Ballard’s agent thinks buyout would present fresh start
Jun 19, 2013, 9:22 PM EDT
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Vancouver Canucks would appreciate the cap space.
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Michal Handzus scores first, Rich Peverley ties it.
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The money part has been settled, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
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In case you were worrying about another late scratch.
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The Swede wasn’t getting benched during playoff games, for one.
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Tough timing for free agent Mason Raymond.
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37-year-old ‘tender ready to call it a career.
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Nonis says compliance buyout a ‘distinct possibility’ for Leafs
Jun 19, 2013, 5:19 PM EDT
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That’s a picture of Mike Komisarek.
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Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma considered to be a favorite for the position.
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Apparently Glen Sather and Mike Gillis don’t see the game evolving the same way
Jun 19, 2013, 4:44 PM EDT
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Which could be why they end up swapping coaches.
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NHL to implement hybrid icing next season if trial period goes well
Jun 19, 2013, 3:20 PM EDT
The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
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Detroit could have quite the sports and entertainment district.
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His choice. Wasn’t required to go.
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Canada last hosted in 2012.
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“He’s forechecked, done well in the battles as far as trying to come up with the puck, all the things we ask him to do.”
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Trio was huge against L.A. in the Western Conference finals.
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But let’s just wait and see for sure.
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Despite recent reports.
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News and notes: How are the Bruins stopping Chicago’s power play?
Jun 19, 2013, 12:20 PM EDT
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News and notes entering Wednesday’s Stanley Cup Final showdown — will Boston continue to stymie the power play?
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He spent all of last season with AHL Peoria.
