Expectations

The NY Rangers are set to meet the Sabres in round two of the playoffs tonight.

Any Predictions? Any Expectations? It’s difficult to tell what this series will produce. Buffalo has, count ‘em, four lines that can score at will. Their defense will join as well offensively to devastate any opponent.

The Rangers defense is either too old and slow or too young and inexperienced. Henrik Lundqvist gives up too many rebounds. Their offense scores in spurts and has poor reliability on the power play.

Yet I think the Rangers have the will and a plan.

Sean Avery may talk too much but if the Sabres want to focus on him and let him get under their skin, so be it.

The Rangers overall playoff push which has been going on for two months has had them play at an extremely high level. Their TEAM defense will negate the Sabres’ offense and force more breakaways than we’ve ever seen in playoff competition.

Lundqvist will give up rebounds but he will stop up to 200 shots this series and bring back memories of last year’s Swedish world championship.

Expectations?

You bet and they’re big ones.

Let’s drop the puck.