This is exactly why we wanted the Rangers in the Atlantic Division bracket. The Blueshirts are now in position to advance to the Eastern Conference Final without having to face either Washington or Pittsburgh. While Ottawa isn’t a pushover by any stretch of the imagination, I’m pretty sure every Rangers fan is ecstatic with the current postseason scenario.
While I don’t expect this series to take on the mean streak we witnessed against Montreal, the Rangers may again find it difficult to generate transition offense as Ottawa is known for being able to stifle opponents attacking with speed through the neutral zone.