Rangers Still Under Pressure
There’s one thing for certain. The Rangers don’t want to be heading back to D.C. with a 3-1 series deficit, and so they face another must-win game on home ice tonight. The Capitals hiccupped a little in Game 3, destroying their own momentum by taking too many penalties. It seems highly unlikely that things will continue in that vein tonight.
While home ice might give the Rangers a little advantage on the penalty front – officials certainly feel the pressure of the home crowd – the Rangers’ more game scheme that focuses on defense, can make them more prone to penalties, particularly if the Capitals come out hard again like they did in Game 1.