The Rangers have an Original 6 matchup in the conference semifinals, a best-of-seven date with the Boston Bruins. As the series starts tonight, this will be quick.
When Do We Play:
Game 1: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at Boston
Game 2: Sunday, 3:00 p.m. at Boston
Game 3: May 21st, 7:30 p.m. at MSG
Game 4: May 23rd, 7:00 p.m. at MSG
*Game 5: May 25th, TBD at Boston
*Game 6: May 27th, TBD at MSG
* Game 7: May 29th, TBD at Boston
* - if necessary
Where We Are: In the second round!! The Rangers rallied from a 2-0 hole to defeat the Capitals in seven games. The team had two days off to hopefully learn a power play and heal some wounds before facing the Big, Bad Bruins.
Where They Are: Boston nearly blew a 3-1 lead in their series against Toronto and were down 4-1 going into the third period of Game 7. But they won 5-4 in overtime. If you didn't see it, it was one of the more remarkable finishes in a looooong time. The Bruins finished the regular season with the fourth seed - one point behind second-seeded Montreal, five more than Washington.
What Happened This Season: The Rangers took on the Bruins three times, all within the first dozen games. They lost the season opener in Boston 3-1 (my recap), won 4-3 in overtime four days later (my recap) and took a 4-3 shootout victory in the third game three weeks later (my recap).
What Happened Past Seasons: The Rangers have faced Boston in the playoffs nine times, winning just three of those series. Two of the seven losses were in the Stanley Cup Finals (1929, 1972), but two of the three victories, however, were on the way to Stanley Cups (1928, 1940).
Who Played On Both Teams: There are some great names to wear both the spoked-B and the Blueshirt: Andy Hebenton, Dean Prentice, Allen Stanley, Red Sullivan, Orland Kurtenbach, Brad Park, Jean Ratelle, Rick Middleton, Carol Vadnais, Phil Esposito, Chris Nilan, Marc Savard, PJ Stock, Mike Knuble, Brian Leetch, Colton Orr and Wade Redden!
Who To Watch For: Milan Lucic was a beast in Game 7 against the Leafs during crunch time, absolutely dominant. Patrice Bergeron rarely wows but is one of the most complete players in the NHL. Brad Marchand is a smaller version of Sean Avery, just with better hands, and Tyler Seguin has been slumping but when he is on, he is on. Their defense is thinned by injury (no Seidenberg, Ference or Redden) but they still have the man-mountain that is Zdeno Chara, who admitted to me in Prague before this season that he hated the Rangers.
What To Watch For: That Jagr guy to score, especially since he enters with just one goal in his last 17 games. Bergeron winning all the faceoffs. Nathan Horton making himself comfortable in the slot. Shawn Thornton sending a message. Tuukka Rask either completely shutting the Rangers down or completely falling apart. Hank to make some wonderful, wonderful, wonderful saves. During the regular season Boston's power play was actually worse than the Rangers' but their penalty kill was better.
Also Check Out: Big fan of two of the Boston blogs, Stanley Cup of Chowder and Days of Y'Orr.
Game 1: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at Boston
Game 2: Sunday, 3:00 p.m. at Boston
Game 3: May 21st, 7:30 p.m. at MSG
Game 4: May 23rd, 7:00 p.m. at MSG
*Game 5: May 25th, TBD at Boston
*Game 6: May 27th, TBD at MSG
* Game 7: May 29th, TBD at Boston
* - if necessary
Where We Are: In the second round!! The Rangers rallied from a 2-0 hole to defeat the Capitals in seven games. The team had two days off to hopefully learn a power play and heal some wounds before facing the Big, Bad Bruins.
Where They Are: Boston nearly blew a 3-1 lead in their series against Toronto and were down 4-1 going into the third period of Game 7. But they won 5-4 in overtime. If you didn't see it, it was one of the more remarkable finishes in a looooong time. The Bruins finished the regular season with the fourth seed - one point behind second-seeded Montreal, five more than Washington.
What Happened This Season: The Rangers took on the Bruins three times, all within the first dozen games. They lost the season opener in Boston 3-1 (my recap), won 4-3 in overtime four days later (my recap) and took a 4-3 shootout victory in the third game three weeks later (my recap).
What Happened Past Seasons: The Rangers have faced Boston in the playoffs nine times, winning just three of those series. Two of the seven losses were in the Stanley Cup Finals (1929, 1972), but two of the three victories, however, were on the way to Stanley Cups (1928, 1940).
Who To Watch For: Milan Lucic was a beast in Game 7 against the Leafs during crunch time, absolutely dominant. Patrice Bergeron rarely wows but is one of the most complete players in the NHL. Brad Marchand is a smaller version of Sean Avery, just with better hands, and Tyler Seguin has been slumping but when he is on, he is on. Their defense is thinned by injury (no Seidenberg, Ference or Redden) but they still have the man-mountain that is Zdeno Chara, who admitted to me in Prague before this season that he hated the Rangers.
What To Watch For: That Jagr guy to score, especially since he enters with just one goal in his last 17 games. Bergeron winning all the faceoffs. Nathan Horton making himself comfortable in the slot. Shawn Thornton sending a message. Tuukka Rask either completely shutting the Rangers down or completely falling apart. Hank to make some wonderful, wonderful, wonderful saves. During the regular season Boston's power play was actually worse than the Rangers' but their penalty kill was better.
Also Check Out: Big fan of two of the Boston blogs, Stanley Cup of Chowder and Days of Y'Orr.
"Peepin' Foes Playoff Edition: Boston Bruins - A Deep Dive into the Rivalry"
In the world of sports, rivalries add an extra layer of excitement, intensity, and drama to competitions. The "Peepin' Foes Playoff Edition" series takes a close look at some of the most compelling matchups in the playoffs. In this article, we will dive into the rivalry between two iconic teams: the Boston Bruins and their playoff adversaries, examining their history, memorable moments, and answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this storied rivalry.
Chapter 1: The Rivalry's Origins
A Legacy of Competition
To appreciate the rivalry between the Boston Bruins and their playoff opponents, it's crucial to understand its origins. How did this rivalry begin, and what factors contributed to its intensity?
Playoff History
The playoff history between these two teams is often marked by memorable clashes. What are some of the key playoff matchups that have defined this rivalry over the years?
Chapter 2: Memorable Moments
Iconic Games
Rivalry games often produce iconic moments. Can you share some of the most memorable and historic playoff moments between the Boston Bruins and their playoff adversaries?
Legendary Players
Great rivalries feature legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. Who are some of the iconic players from both sides who have played pivotal roles in this rivalry?
Chapter 3: The Intensity of Playoff Showdowns
Playoff Atmosphere
The intensity of playoff games adds another layer to this rivalry. How does the atmosphere change when these two teams face off in the postseason, and what makes it unique?
Fan Engagement
Fan engagement is a significant aspect of rivalry games. How do fans from both sides contribute to the energy and excitement surrounding playoff matchups?
Chapter 4: Key Matchups and Strategies
Style of Play
Each team often has a distinct style of play. What are the contrasting strategies and playing styles that have characterized this rivalry?
Key Matchups
Within the rivalry, certain player matchups become focal points in playoff games. Which player matchups have been particularly intriguing or influential in recent history?
Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some common questions and inquiries about the Boston Bruins' playoff rivalry:
Q1: How many times have the Boston Bruins faced their playoff adversaries in the postseason?
A1: We can provide a breakdown of the number of times these teams have met in the playoffs, including the outcomes.
Q2: Who holds the upper hand in terms of playoff victories between the Boston Bruins and their playoff opponents?
A2: We can provide statistics on the playoff series outcomes and which team has historically had the advantage.
Q3: Are there any specific traditions or rituals associated with this playoff rivalry?
A3: Rivalries often come with unique traditions and rituals among fans or within the teams. We can explore any notable traditions tied to this rivalry.
Q4: Have there been any controversial moments or incidents in recent playoff matchups between these teams?
A4: Controversial incidents can add extra drama to a rivalry. We can delve into any noteworthy controversies that have arisen in recent playoff series.
Q5: How has this rivalry evolved over the years, and what does it mean to both teams and their fans today?
A5: Rivalries can change and evolve over time. We can examine the historical evolution of this rivalry and its current significance.
Chapter 6: Conclusion - A Rivalry for the Ages
The rivalry between the Boston Bruins and their playoff adversaries is not just a competition; it's a part of the rich tapestry of sports history. It's a reminder of the passion, intensity, and tradition that make sports rivalries such a cherished aspect of the games we love. As we eagerly await the next playoff showdown between these two iconic teams, we can reflect on the storied history and the timeless battles that have defined this rivalry for generations of fans and athletes alike.
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