Karlsson helps Senators edge Rangers 2-1 in Game 1

They came into their second-round series with the Senators as the heavy favorite, then lost Game 1 on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre on a fluke goal from Erik Karlsson from behind the goal line. We know we’ve got a good goalie. However, Zibanejad also missed 25 games during the year due to a broken leg. Take a look at that Boston series, Ottawa were the better team throughout just like in the regular season.

Only problem is, so was Anderson, who has phenomenal career numbers against NY and is 5-2 with a 1.81 goals-against average and.930 save percentage so far in these playoffs. “The more shots we have the more opportunities we’re going to have for one to go in”.

A lucky late goal by Erik Karlsson proved to be the game-winner.

The Senators, playing in the second round for the first time in four years, sold out only one of three home games in the first round against Boston. Lukewarm most of the season to Boucher’s dictatorial, tiresome style, fans seemed not to believe the playoffs were a possibility and certainly not extra rounds. But a system that has allowed the Capitals and Penguins – the two best teams in the National Hockey League this season – to meet in the second round two years in a row surely can not be right. It was the boost the team – and fans – needed. “You got to have a game plan and follow that”.

“Going into the season, we wanted to get into the playoffs to have this opportunity”, Vigneault said. It’s more than a star right now.

Colin: I’m not really sure what to think of even strength. “He’s a skilled player that became a star and now he’s a victor”.

“It was a broken play and I just tried to have some poise and kind of wait him out there”, said Dzingel. Zibanejad and Derick Brassard swapped teams in July and each had a big impact in getting the Rangers and Senators to this second-round matchup that begins Thursday night. He made 21 saves in the first period, a record for him in any playoff period on a record number of shots by Ottawa.

The only other remaining forwards are Mark Stone and Chris Neil.

Defensively, the Rangers need to focus on Brassard, Bobby Ryan, and Eric Karlsson, all of whom have played a huge part in the Sens offensive production thus far in the post-season.

The Rangers’ Rick Nash had predicted the style of play Ottawa would resort to – “trap it up in the neutral zone” – and, indeed, the game slowed to a crawl in the second period.

However, since the playoffs started he has been sharp, getting his 10th career postseason shutout in the opener against Montreal and then finishing with a career-high 54 saves – regular season or playoffs – in an overtime loss in Game 2. He was solid against Boston but surrendered three goals in Games 2, 3 and 5.

Karlsson thought his club could do more to crowd his fellow Swede and block his sightlines. If not for another outstanding yet wasted performance by Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers could have easily been blown out.

Injury fallout: Karlsson told ESPN.com that he suffered the hairline fractures in his heel while blocking a shot against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 28. “Next shot wins. Let’s get back to business, ‘” Anderson said.

“I think it’s more pucks”. “It’s like any other team now and I just want to get to four first”. Vigneault indicated he was satisfied with the way his team played 5-on-5, but while both teams were 1-for-4 on the power play, he felt the Senators picked up more momentum during their man-advantage situations.

“But we’re going to take care of our stuff and we’re going to do the things that we think we need to do well to have a chance to win this series”, said Karlsson. “That’s how we consider those guys, Stanley Cup contenders year after year, and that’s what they’re after now so that’s what we’re up against”. We know that he gives us the best chance to win.