New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist Battles Carey Price in Stanley Cup Playoffs 1
Mar 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) and New York Rangers center Chris Kreider (21) battle for position during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Monteal won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

In this edition, we get everybody ready for Game 1 of the New York Rangers-Montreal Canadiens round one matchup in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

There’s no sport in the world that showcases a greater difference in energy and passion when it comes to the regular and postseason than the NHL. This sentiment, although believed by many, was proclaimed by diehard New York Rangers fan Linda Cohn on Mad Dog Radio, Monday afternoon while she filled in for Steve Torre on Dog Bites.

Without even needing to explain it, we know she’s right.

Obviously, the playoffs for the NFL, NBA and MLB are fantastic, but the NHL version is something so “lit” we can’t even begin to explain. Everything becomes monumental, larger than life.

Right now, it’s looking like Alain Vigneault is going to go with Tanner Glass in favor of Pavel Buchnevich.

Defensively, it’s anybody’s best guess at this moment. There will be two spots up for grabs between four defensemen: Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Nick Holden and Kevin Klein.

Based on Tuesday practice, this is what we think you’ll see:

Here’s what happened the last time the Rangers played Montreal in the playoffs, a little Martin St. Louis buzz:

Meanwhile, the backdrop narrative of Chris Kreider and Cary Price rages on. We discuss how Kreider can become the Rangers not-so-secret weapon in Game 1.

Kreider also spoke about the topic, via Stats LLC:

“It was a long time ago,” he said. “I’m just focused on this series and Game 1.

“My game doesn’t change. It hasn’t changed,” added Kreider, who set career highs in goals and points this season. “For me to be effective, I need to go to the crease. That’s where I’m going to score goals. I don’t have a big one-timer, I’m not scoring from distance, so I need to be a big body and get to the top of the paint and try to bang stuff home.”

The man who came in via trade with the popular and talented P.K. Subban, Shea Weber, also provided his thoughts prior to Wednesday night.

“That doesn’t mean anything,” said Habs defenseman Shea Weber, who will return after missing the final four games of the regular season with an injury. “Once the playoffs start, it’s been proven in the past that an eighth seed can win. It doesn’t really matter where you finish or what your record was against a team.

“A lot goes into winning the Cup and obviously we’ve got to start with the series against the Rangers and try and build our way up against them.”

Outside Links:

  • Joe Fortunato of Blueshirt Banter provides his X-factors for the series.
  • Larry Brooks of the New York Post believes the Rangers have no shot unless Henrik Lundqvist returns to stellar form.
  • Steve Zipay of Newsday speaks with Chris Kreider and tells us how he’s put the Carey Price collision of 2014 behind him.
  • Larry Brooks then explains how this series can end quickly.
  • On WFAN with Mike Francesa, Alain Vigneault says that if the Rangers build momentum, they can take it all the way to a Stanley Cup.

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 NEXT: Rangers-Canadiens Playoff Preview, Predictions 

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Robby Sabo
https://jetsxfactor.com
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com

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