The Rangers go into tonight’s deciding Game 7 in D.C. with a 1-10 record in the last 11 games played in the Capitals’ home building. That solitary victory was the triple OT game last year, which was finally ended by Marian Gaborik. If the Blueshirts are to advance, they’re going to have to overcome that record, which includes going 0-3 in this series, albeit two of those games requiring OT.
Several Rangers will be playing in their first Game 7, including the foursome from Columbus: Rick Nash, John Moore, Derick Brassard and Derek Dorsett. Steve Eminger will get his first taste of Game 7 due to the continued absence of Marc Staal from the line-up, while Mats Zuccarello will also play his first sudden death playoff deciding game in the NHL.
At the other end of the scale, the Rangers will feature a line-up with players who’ve combined to appear in 32 Game 7s, albeit 21 of those are from the Rangers’ 2-0 record last year. The Rangers roster are 26-6 lifetime in the maximum length series. Brad Richards leads all Rangers with a 4-0 record, while Taylor Pyatt is the only Blueshirt with a losing record: 1-2.
Dan Girardi and Michael Del Zotto scored Game Winning Goals in last year’s Game 7 playoffs, while Richards and Pyatt have also registered goals in Game 7s.
Henrik Lundqvist is 2-1 lifetime in Game 7s with an impressive 1.33 GAA and .946 save percentage, never having given up more than two goals in his three appearances. His backup Martin Biron has also played a solitary Game 7 for the Flyers, winning it in OT and stopping 39 of 41 shots in the process for a 1.82 GAA and .951 Save Percentage.
Rangers Record in Game 7s
5-4 – Roman Hamrlik *
4-0 – Brad Richards
2-1 – Arron Asham
2-1 – Ryan Callahan
2-1 – Dan Girardi
2-1 – Henrik Lundqvist
2-1 – Marc Staal +
1-2 – Taylor Pyatt
2-0 – Stu Bickel *
2-0 – Ryane Clowe +
2-0 – Michael Del Zotto
2-0 – Carl Hagelin
2-0 – Chris Kreider
2-0 – Ryan McDonagh
2-0 – Darroll Powe +
2-0 – Derek Stepan
2-0 – Anton Stralman
1-0 – Martin Biron ~
1-0 – Brian Boyle
+ Injured
* Reserve
~ Backup
PIT
CAR
CBJ
WSH
PHI