New York Rangers 5 Keys to Winning the Eastern Conference Finals

5. Don’t Get Drawn into the Muck

The Panthers have a reputation for being a dirty team and they will try to drag the Rangers into the muck. That may be hindered if Matt Rempe plays at home with the last change. If the Panthers do take unnecessary penalties, the Rangers must make them pay.

1. Continue Special Teams Success

The Rangers' power play has been solid all postseason, scoring 31.4 percent of the time, good for third in the NHL in the playoffs. Florida has taken 51 penalties in 11 games this postseason, which is the third most in the playoffs, but they kill off 86.1 percent of them. The Rangers penalty kill gave up just two goals in the second round and netted two of its own. The better special teams will have the advantage in this series.

2. Win the Goaltending Matchup

The Rangers had the clear advantage in net over the Hurricanes in the second round with Igor Shesterkin. The Rangers netminder has the best stats of any goalie in the playoffs. However, Sergei Bobrovsky is not far behind with a .902 save percentage. With the gap in goalie talent closer, can the Rangers find an advantage elsewhere?

3. Protect Home Ice

The Rangers won the Presidents' Trophy and secured home ice throughout the playoffs. New York is 4-1 at home this postseason. Getting early wins at home will be vital, as a large Ranger contingent is expected to be in South Florida as well.

4. Be Better 5-on-5

New York was outscored 13-12 at even strength in the second round, and if that happens against the Panthers, the Rangers will go home. The Panthers have only allowed 17 goals in 11 games at even strength, while the Rangers have scored 22.

5. Don’t Get Drawn into the Muck

The Panthers have a reputation for being a dirty team and they will try to drag the Rangers into the muck. That may be hindered if Matt Rempe plays at home with the last change. If the Panthers do take unnecessary penalties, the Rangers must make them pay.