We have entered 100% intensity hockey. This is peak competition people! High hopes for the Rangers who are on their best footing in years.

The games played so far:

• WPG 1 COL 0
• FLA 1 TBL 0
• BOS 1 TOR 0
• NYR 1 WSH 0
• CAR 1 NYI 0

The Rangers won 4-1, more or less dominating the entire game. It played out as we all expected with the Rangers being so heavily favored. It was a reassuring game. The whole team looked focused and calm. I didn’t notice any major mistakes, no power play goals with the two chances, but the PK stopped all 4 chances Washington had. The big news is that the fourth line was on fire. Rempe got the first beautiful goal with assists from Goodrow and Vesey. Panarin scored, and then Vesey scored. All in just over 2 minutes in the second period. A sweet breakaway goal from Kreider sealed the door shut. With this promising start, they just need to keep the momentum going. It’s up to the Capitals to adjust.

Looking at the rest of the bracket, for the Western division, I favor Dallas to make it to the finals. They’ve been solid for the whole season and I don’t see why that should change. Vegas didn’t end the season well and I don’t think they did so by playing opossum. They aren’t as good as last season. I have a feeling Edmonton will make it to the WCF but lose to Dallas. It feels like it’s there time for a deep playoff run. They’ve put the effort together to completely turn around their season and I think that has prepared them for the Playoffs. That said, Nashville and Vancouver are steep competition.

East side, I think the biggest threats are Carolina and the Panthers. Carolina will be a huge challenge for the Rangers and I think the Panthers will be able to take Boston again. The teams that make it to the ECF will likely be beaten up from Round 2. There’s no way that round won’t be brutal 6-7 game series.