Heading 1: Rangers Prepare for a High-End Penalty Kill in Eastern Conference Finals
Heading 2: Familiar Territory for the Rangers’ Power Play Unit
The Rangers’ power-play unit is facing a tough challenge in the upcoming Eastern Conference Finals. They will be up against a high-end, aggressive penalty kill that includes Selke Trophy candidates at forward and a deep, physical defense. However, the good news is that this is nothing new for the Rangers. They have faced similar challenges before and have had success against them in the past.
Heading 2: Adjusting to Different Penalty Kill Strategies
According to Peter Laviolette, the adjustment from facing Carolina’s penalty kill in the second round to facing Florida’s in the third is not much of an adjustment at all. Both teams have an aggressive mindset when it comes to defending on the penalty kill. Laviolette believes that while there are differences between teams, the way they defend on the penalty kill is similar.
Heading 3: Finding Success against an Aggressive Penalty Kill
The Hurricanes found that backing off their usual attacking style and adopting a more conservative approach had more success against the Rangers’ power play. It took until the third period of Game 6 for the Rangers to break through again after Carolina adjusted. Vincent Trocheck acknowledges that slowing the game down may not be their preferred style of play, but it allows their skilled players like Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, and Artemi Panarin to take control of the game.
Heading 3: Previous Success against Florida’s Penalty Kill
In the regular season, the Rangers had success against Florida’s similar penalty kill scheme, going 3-for-9 on the power play. This should give them confidence heading into the Eastern Conference Finals.
Heading 4: Panthers’ Aggressive Penalty Kill
The Panthers took a significant number of penalties this season, second only to Anaheim. They have an aggressive penalty kill that gets up the ice quickly. Panthers coach Paul Maurice emphasizes the importance of staying out of the penalty box to have success against their penalty kill.
Overall, the Rangers’ power-play unit is well-prepared for the challenge ahead in the Eastern Conference Finals. They are familiar with facing aggressive penalty kills and have had success against them in the past. The key will be adjusting their approach and finding ways to break through against Florida’s penalty kill. Slowing the game down and utilizing their skilled players will be crucial in generating offense on the power play. Additionally, staying disciplined and avoiding unnecessary penalties will be essential in neutralizing the Panthers’ aggressive penalty kill.
