To harken back to the first round of the 2012 playoffs is to see how much can change in a relatively short period of time, with the most recent postseason series between the Rangers and Senators taking place between two completely different teams from their current counterparts.
That was the Brian Boyle series, if you remember, with the Blueshirts’ integral fourth-line center scoring three goals in the first three games before being concussed on a headshot from Chris Neil. The Rangers would go on to win in seven games, and eventually lose to the Devils in the conference final.
But both the Rangers and Senators have gone through a metamorphosis since then, which shouldn’t preclude this one from going seven as well. So here’s a primer on who and what the Rangers will be facing this time.
Coach: Guy Boucher is the second coach since Paul MacLean (he of the Teddy Roosevelt mustache) was fired in 2014, with Dave Cameron coming in for a two-year cameo that had the Senators miss the playoffs last season after a first-round exit in 2015.
Boucher made his name with the Lightning from 2010-13, and he has brought his trapping, defensive style to Ottawa. It’s a style that has given the Rangers fits this season, and forces the opponent to be very patient and disciplined — not exactly the Rangers’ forte.
Who to watch — up front: Derick Brassard. After a disappointing first regular season in Ottawa following his offseason trade from the Rangers, Brassard is again living up to his reputation as “Big Game Brass” with a terrific first round. The Rangers know what to expect from him, but will have a challenge stopping him.
Who to watch — back end: Erik Karlsson. The importance of Karlsson to this team can’t be overstated, and he could very well be a finalist for the Hart Trophy as league MVP. He plays almost half the game, in every situation, and has become just as dynamic a defender as he is an offensive powerhouse.
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Who to watch — in nets: Craig Anderson. It’s been an emotional ride for Anderson this year. He had to miss some time here and there to be with his wife, who is battling cancer. He might not be an elite goaltender, but he is hardly a pushover.
X factor: Bobby Ryan. The kid out of Cherry Hill, N.J., has been a general letdown since being traded to Ottawa in the summer of 2013. But the No. 2-overall selection in the 2005 draft has come up clutch in these playoffs, and it’s hard to defend his big body when he decides to drive to the net.
Health concern: Physical defenseman Mark Borowiecki and forward Tom Pyatt both missed Game 6, while former Rangers forward Viktor Stalberg was a gametime decision and played. All three are dealing with injuries that could carry over.