After coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the first round against the Penguins in improbable fashion, the Rangers went into Raleigh riding high for the second round. They could smell a Game 1 road victory to keep the good times rolling… and then the Hurricanes put in a rebound to tie the game at one with 2:23 remaining in the game. They would go on to win in overtime and hand the Rangers a gut-wrenching 2-1 loss.
To talk about the loss and look ahead to Game 2, we bring you a new episode of the “Up In The Blue Seats” podcast with Ron Duguay and Mollie Walker. The Post’s Larry Brooks drops by to talk about what he saw from the Blueshirts in Game 1 and what may need to change if the Rangers want to pull off the upset this series.
Up In The Blue Seats Podcast with Ron, Mollie, Jake & Andrew
- THE GOOD: Filip Chytil has looked like a completely different player. He is playing tremendously. The Kid Line continues to carry the Rangers. Tyler Motte was a huge addition to this team. He brings a jolt to the ice.
- THE BAD: The Hurricanes are really good and continue presenting matchup problems for the Rangers when they play 5-on-5. This would have been a big one for the Rangers to take.
- RANGERS FANS: Well-represented down in Raleigh, despite the ticket ban that was put on. They made their presence felt. Hurricanes fans did not heckle Igor Shesterkin like Penguins fans did. It took a while for them to bring some energy.
- SAMMY BLAIS: Is there a chance he returns this round? He just started skating with the team so it would be highly unlikely. Maybe there’s a chance he would come back if the Rangers made the Eastern Conference Final.
- GAME 2: Mollie sees the Hurricanes coming out firing in Game 2 to take down the Rangers and Andrew agrees. Ron and I believe the Rangers win a tight one.
Larry Brooks Interview: The Post’s Hall of Fame hockey columnist#
- PANARIN’S STRUGGLES: What has happened to Artemi Panarin in the playoffs? Outside of his game-winning Game 7 goal, he has not done a lot.
- STROME/COPP: Both bet on themselves and turned down contracts from the team. Will the Rangers give them big deals in the offseason?
- GAME 2/POWER PLAY: Can the Rangers maintain confidence from some strong play in Game 1 and carry it over? Also, the Rangers need to get on the power play more, because 5-on-5 hockey benefits the Hurricanes.
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Catch up on all episodes of “Up In The Blue Seats,” a New York Rangers podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Comments
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