The New York Rangers host Game 3 of a first round series with the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed, the Washington Capitals, and one of the league's premier players Alex Ovechkin. Washington leads the series 2-0, and can expect a fire-breathing crowd at Madison Square Garden, eager to will the desperate Rangers to a series-turning win.
While the Rangers have the most highly touted goalkeeper in the series, Vezina trophy winner Henrik Lundqvist, it has been Washington goalie Braden Holtby stealing the show through two games. Holtby has made 60 saves in the first two games against New York, and allowed one solitary goal in that span.
Holtby said he's well rested after taking a day off Sunday, and is ready to face the Rangers in a hostile environment. "Rest is obviously an important part in preparation. We'll get back on the ice (Monday) in pregame skate and get our legs back under us. Use the rest to our advantage and come in with the right frame of mind and ready to play."
Speaking on the raucous MSG crowd, Holtby said, "We know they're going to make a push. It's a big game for both of us. It's one of the best atmospheres in the league. I believe we have the best here at Verizon Center. They're passionate fans. They obviously want to help the team win. Our job is to block all that out. We have a job to do, to win the game. The atmosphere, the fans, the other team, that doesn't matter. We have our goal in mind, and we're going to prepare for that."
Lundqvist, one of the best goalies in the NHL has much to prove in the postseason. Lundqvist is 25-32 in his playoffs career, even though his goals against average and save percentage are not too different from his regular season totals.
Washington Capitals first-year head coach Adam Oates is not taking the Rangers lightly in Game 3 or resting on his laurels with the two-game advantage. "He's exactly what everybody says. He's a great goalie."
The Rangers have only come back to win a series in which they fell behind 2-0 one time, a fact that is startling but does not seem to worry Rangers coach John Tortorella. "That is the furthest thing as a worry for me. This is a good group of guys, and last time I remember you need four games to win a series. Our guys are fully aware of that."
The game can be live streamed for free here.
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