2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Series Review: (A1) Montreal Canadiens vs. (W1) New York Rangers

The series started unexpectedly, as Tanner Glass opened the scoring in Game 1. The rest of the way was Carey Price and Henrik Lundqvist, as both netminders stopped what came at them. An empty netter would seal a Rangers victory for Game 1. Game 2 saw more goals in the first than the total of Game 1, with the Canadiens up 2-1 after 20 minutes. It turned in the second when the Rangers scored twice to take the lead. Montreal poured on the pressure, which would be rewarded very late in the game. Tomas Plekanec deflected a Alex Radulov pass into the Rangers net with 18 seconds left in regulation. Overtime was needed, where Radulov snuck the puck past Lundqvist to tie the series. Game 3 saw Montreal play arguably their best game of the series, and were rewarded as such. A goal in the second and two in the third (including a highlight one by Radulov) was more than enough to beat the Rangers, who did managed to break the shutout late in the game. New York did rebound in Game 4, opening the scoring in the first. Montreal did managed to tie the game up later in the period. Rick Nash broke the deadlock in the second, and his goal would stand as the game winner. The Rangers win tied the series at 2-2. Game 5 was similar to Game 2, in that the Canadiens outscored the Rangers 2-1 in the first period. Montreal would keep up the attack, but it was New York who managed to score in the second period, tying the game. Chances were exchanged, but overtime was eventually needed. The game would end when Chris Keider's shot was deflected and found a streaking Mika Zibanejad, who snapped it past a sliding Price. Facing elimination, it was Alexei Emelin who opened the scoring for the Canadians in Game 6. The second period was the Mats Zuccarello show, as the Norwegian forward scored twice in the period. Montreal did try to tie the game, but Lundqvist stood in the way. An empty netter by the Rangers assured victory for them. The New York Rangers beat the Montreal Canadiens in six games.

Games

New York Rangers 2 - Montreal Canadiens 0
New York Rangers 3 - Montreal Canadiens 4 (OT)
Montreal Canadiens 3 - New York Rangers 1
Montreal Canadiens 1 - New York Rangers 2
New York Rangers 3 - Montreal Canadiens 2 (OT)
Montreal Canadiens 1 - New York Rangers 3

Three Thoughts on the Series

1. The Rangers were a Jekyll and Hyde team. They could turn it on one minute, then turn into a pumpkin the next.
2. To all the Habs fans wanting to trade Price because of this series: Did you even watch this series?!?!
3. Nice to see the leadership of Weber gloriously lead the Canadiens all the way to a first round exit in six games.

Picture of the Series

It's cool that the NHL brought back the rover position.

Highlight of the Series

RADULOV!