Laviolette Gives Major Praise To The Rangers Special Team
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Rangers were the first team to advance to the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs when they swept the Washington Capitals. There are many factors as to why the Rangers managed to dominate the series. Alex Ovenchkin was held to zero points, Igor Shesterkin and the defense was sharp throughout, 14 different players contributing at least one point, but perhaps most importantly, was the Rangers special team. Both the power play and the penalty kill has been the Rangers strongest aspect of play throughout the season.
Head coach Peter Laviolette addresses the media on how the Rangers special teams performed in their series win over the Capitals:
"The whole season has been a work to try to get ready for the first series...special teams has been strong the entire year"
The penalty kill went 15-for-17 (88.2%) with a pair of shorthanded, game-winning goals. The Rangers also finished the series 6-for-16 on the power play (37.5%). They need this momentum to continue, especially since their likely next opponent, the Carolina Hurricanes, is one of the only other teams in the league to rank in the top three in both categories.
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