And, in some sense, they did in Game 1, as the Habs actually seemed to own an advantage early on, even if the Rangers - behind Lundqvist's 31 saves - blanked Montreal 2-0.
While this gives the Rangers just a 1-0 lead, the road win is a great start to what should be a long, competitive series.
But a amusing thing happened on Wednesday night, Henrik Lundqvist turned around a middling season and pitched his 10th playoff shutout - and in so doing, became the sole franchise leader, moving one ahead of Mike Richter - and the Rangers found a way to get a bit better in the defensive zone. Interestingly enough, it's Kreider who led NY in goals this season with 28 and will be a huge factor in the series once again. Rick Nash, who frequently played on the Rangers' second line, led the team with a 5-on-5 expected goals for per 60 of 2.82. And the Rangers know that.
"That's one thing in particular that I remember is that rink being energetic and really emotional", he said.
Who takes home Game 2?
Columbus D - The Blue Jackets played Scott Harrington and Gabriel Carlsson their third defensive pairing, but held them to 8:28 and 7:57 of ice time, respectively, leaving Seth Jones, Jack Johnson and Zach Werenski to each log more than 25 minutes in Game One.
"I was thinking pass to the point but I had a second there and I just wanted to get it up and lucky it went in", he explained. If either plays like it did in between, the Canadiens are in trouble. The Canadiens have one of the best defensive pairings in the National Hockey League in Shea Weber and Andrei Markov.
Carey Price had another great season with a 37-20-5 record, 2.23 GAA and.923 save percentage.
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However, the star of the show for the Rangers was undoubtedly their keeper, Lundqvist, who was resolute in keeping the attacking threat of the Canadiens out. Game one was a huge confidence booster for Lundqvist. Look for the Rangers to play well again tonight and take a 2-0 series lead.
Lundqvist is ready for the postseason and if he can keep confident and stay in the right mindset, he will have a good performance.
Melker Karlsson scored at 3:22 of overtime and San Jose came back to beat Edmonton 3-2 in Game 1 of their Western Conference series.
"Because we have seven experienced defensemen, and ... to some extent [Steve] Kampfer coming in and playing as strong as I felt he did with his skating ability, it gives us options", Vigneault said of his defense. "Little details here and there made the difference".
The fourth line turned in a spirited and physical effort Wednesday night, with Glass, Oscar Lindberg and Jesper Fast all factoring in on the game-winning goal.
But that's what you need to do in the playoffs. After all, when your team is so good at producing, which line is the top line? The Rangers are going to need someone to step up and grab this series by the throat. "He made a lot of the first saves and their team did a good job clearing out the second opportunities".
The best way to beat out a big team like the Canadiens is speed, skill and adjustment. "If he can see it, he's going to save it, and sometimes when he can't see it he's going to save it, so we're going to have to be real sharp with the puck when we get our scoring chances and find ways to maybe get some bounces by him".
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