Washington at New York

The New York Rangers had a surprising run to the Stanley Cup finals a year ago. Some thought that was a fluke but it wasn't as here they are as the #1 seed with a powerhouse all-around team. New York is third in the NHL in goals scored and allowed, plus sixth in penalty killing. The Rangers are 22-10 at home and Henrik Lundqvist is 18-8-3 with four career shutouts against Washington. The Rangers are also 36-15 against the Eastern Conference. Washington is off a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders and the Rangers are 27-5 when their opponent scores 2 or fewer goals in their previous game. Washington goalie Braden Holtby has yielded 12 goals in four matchups versus the Rangers. The Capitals are 4-12 in their last 16 Conference Semifinals games as well as 3-8 in the last 11 meetings at New York. Take the NY Rangers in game one.