2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview: Rangers vs. Panthers
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are reaching a higher gear, with the Conference Finals now around the corner! If you asked someone who the best two teams in the Eastern Conference were a month ago, their answer would probably be these two. On one hand, you have last year’s finalists who have loaded up and are an even better version of the team that shocked the hockey world and fell to Vegas. On the other hand, you have a President’s Trophy winners who are determined to have a date with destiny. The New York Rangers are looking to win their first Stanley Cup in exactly 30 years. They now must do battle with the Florida Panthers in what should be an amazing series.
While there is little playoff history between these teams (one first-round series in 1997), that will not change the fact that we should see a bit of everything in this matchup. Two high-powered offenses that roll all four lines. Two Russian goalies that are on their game. Players on both sides who have spent time on the other side. Most of all, two teams that have played like they deserve to play in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. However, only one will survive. Let’s not waste any more time.
Why The Rangers Win
For starters, they have home ice. That’s obvious, but with the Knicks eliminated from the NBA playoffs, all of MSG is now pulling for the Blueshirts the rest of the way. Expect the Garden atmosphere to reach new heights and decibel levels. Furthermore, as we saw in Carolina, Rangers fans travel incredibly well. There will be attempts to limit the visiting fans in Sunrise, but it is going to be difficult. You do not have to be an expert to know that a lot of New Yorkers tend to move and/or go on vacation to Florida of all places.
Another advantage the Rangers have over the Panthers is in the net. Sergei Bobrovsky has played admirably through the first two rounds and given the Cats more than enough of a chance to win. However, he’s not Igor Shesterkin. The 28-year-old is arguably the current favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Should New York go all of the way he is almost destined to add it to his trophy case. Against a team in the Carolina Hurricanes that heavily favor shot quantity, Igor was lights out every time you needed him to be. Even after giving up a third goal early on in their closeout Game Six in Carolina, he shut the door and gave his team the chance to win. He is a confidence booster between the pipes right now.
As I’ve said in their previous two previews, special teams is the New York Rangers’ bread and butter. While some are not happy with the volume of penalties being called in the playoffs, it is what it is. There is nothing we as fans can do to change the way games are officiated. Regardless, the Blueshirts are a dominant team on the powerplay. They also hold their own on the penalty kill. Carolina had their chances on the man advantage in their second round series. One of the main differences is that the Rangers made them pay and the Hurricanes couldn’t do the same.
Why The Panthers Win
The fact of the matter is that New York has not faced a challenge like this before. The Cats are easily the best team they’ve seen, especially in a playoff setting. Florida is battle tested and they are incredibly hungry to write the wrongs of last year in the Final. Their scoring threat is equivalent if not slightly better across all four lines. However, the edge that all 18 skaters play with is palpable.
Let’s not forget the Rangers faced a formidable foe in the Carolina Hurricanes that features plenty of talented players. However, they have not ran into a player quite like Matthew Tkachuk. Over the last two playoff runs, he has 38 points in 31 games. When some raised questions about his trade out of Calgary, he has silenced every last doubter and skeptic. His game rises in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and his style has no true historical equivalent. With his mouthguard sticking out, flying down the wing, he simply dominates. No disrespect to his linemates but at times he can turn into a one-man army from his combination of scoring prowess and playoff intensity. Peter Laviolette is gonna have his hands full trying to gameplan for #19.
The craziest thing is Tkachuk usually plays on Florida’s second line. Their first line features Sam Reinhart, the 57-goal scorer in the regular season who wants to cash in this Summer. Heating up this time of year usually helps when you become a free agent. You also have Selke Trophy winner Alex Barkov as one of the best centermen in the game. His two-way excellence is undisputed. Last but not least is Vladimir Tarasenko. A former Cup Winner who tasted defeat with the Rangers last year. He hasn’t missed a beat after being brought in ahead of the trade deadline. Paul Maurice has turned this group into a well-oiled machine who feels like they can beat anyone.
The Pick
Both of these teams have had a great run so far. They embody the needed style of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and were the pick for many fans at the start of the postseason. However, I just feel like the magic may wear off for the Rangers. Their advantage on special teams is crucial, but I think at 5v5 Florida is too much for them to handle. The Panthers play a style that just wears you down and will make the opponent hurt (Brad Marchand might have a word about that). It’s gonna be a very tight series but I think the Panthers are gonna make it through the Conference Finals. They are an even better version than last year’s team and can adjust to their opponent so well.
Florida Panthers In Six Games
