WASHINGTON — The Rangers have an opportunity to help themselves in what they hope will be a deep playoff run.
Entering Game 4 of the first round against the Capitals on Sunday night at Capital One Arena, the Blueshirts will look to close out the series in as few games as possible for the first time since beating the Atlanta Thrashers in four in 2007 .
Another win separates the Rangers and a few days off to recover while the Hurricanes and Islanders finish their series, which is still ongoing after the latter avoided elimination with a 3-2 double overtime win in the fourth game Saturday afternoon.
“Every time the series goes on, obviously there’s more games, more stress, more bodies, so you always want to, I guess, finish as quickly as possible,” captain Jacob Trouba said after an optional practice at Capital One. Arena Saturday. “It’s something that obviously can’t be taken for granted. They’re just going to go out and play like their lives are on the line. But yeah, the sooner we can try to get that fourth win, I think that’s obviously better for the longevity of our bodies or the way we feel. let’s feel, take some extra rest.
“Two years ago, the seven-game series was going to pile on you, so, yeah, that’s obviously a big factor, I think, to stay as fresh as possible, try to close out the series as quickly as possible .”
Running out of gas is what doomed the Rangers’ playoff run in 2022, when they had to battle through a seven-game series against the Penguins and Hurricanes to advance to a conference final game East against the Lightning.
Tampa Bay had swept the Panthers in four and had over a week off as the Rangers finished their series against Carolina.
The Lightning were out of the game for so long that the Rangers took a 2-0 series lead and a 2-0 lead in Game 3 before Tampa Bay flipped a switch and won.
Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, who was knocked out of Game 3 after taking a hard hit from Matt Rempe, did not skate Saturday and has already been ruled out for Game 4.
Rasmus Sandin and Nick Jensen, the two Washington defensemen who have been sidelined with injuries throughout this series, participated in a Capitals optional practice Saturday in regular jerseys.
These are expected to be match-time decisions again.
Vincent Iorio, whom Alexis Lafrenière challenged in the first match and who was unable to play in the next two matches, wore a non-contact jersey.
New York Post
