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NHL Playoff Power Rankings: Pittsburgh and Washington in Surprising Positions

By Matt Duscharme

Apr 17, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators players celebrate after an overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won in overtime 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators players celebrate after an overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won in overtime 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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playoff power rankings
Dec 15, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Rangers right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) and defenseman Marc Staal (18) and defenseman Kevin Klein (8) celebrate a goal against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Rangers shut out the Stars 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 9 (+2)

Team Record: (4-2)

Goals For:

14

Goals Against:

11

Special Teams

PP: (6.7 percent) (15th)
PK: (85.0 percent) (5th)

Injury List

NONE

Statistical Leaders in 2016-17

Top Forward: Mika Zibanejad (6gp 1g 3a 4pts)
Top Defenseman: Brady Skjei (6gp 2g 0a 2pts)
Top Rookie: Brady Skjei (6gp 2g 0a 2pts)
Top Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (4 wins 1.70GAA .947 save percentage)

Player of the Week: F Mika Zibanejad (2gp 1g 2a 3pts)

The Rangers and the Canadiens put on one heck of a show. One thing is adamant so far in the playoffs, the Rangers need to improve their power play since it sits 15th in the league. And a bad power play won’t get you far, not in the NHL. But on the flip side, the Rangers have a penalty kill that’s ranked fifth which if can stay like that can do them some good against the Sens who have the third-ranked power play.

Another thing the Rangers have on their side along with depth is Henrik Lundqvist, he’s 36 and wants to win a Cup while he still can. So he’s going to be on top of his game every night. Brady Skjei has shown streaks of brilliance so far but has yet to really capitalize on all of them. If given more room in this series against Ottawa he can definitely add his name to the scoresheet which is good. Also, the breakout of Mats Zuccarello has been much needed and if he can continue scoring that’s another piece the Sens need to worry about.

Player to Watch: Henrik Lundqvist

2016-17 stats: 4gp 4 wins 1.70GAA .947 save percentage

As for Lundqvist and why you should keep an eye on him this series is because Ottawa has a lot of scoring depth and Henrik thrives under pressure. With more shots on goal the better he gets, which is a scary thing. So if the Rangers can improve their power play, keep their penalty kill solid, and continue scoring. Henrik will help keep this team on their winning ways.

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