bantering points 4/23/24

here are today's news and links:

rangers news:

mark cannizzaro highlights the multiple aspects of matt rempe's game that have allowed him to secure a postseason lineup spot (ny post)

cannizzaro also points to the rangers' strong play even strength in game 1 as a building block to move forward from as the series progresses (ny post)

mollie walker notes that although new york's previous playoff experience is helpful to draw on, it cannot rely on that experience above all else (ny post)

neil best discusses why peter laviolette's prior trips to the playoffs should serve as a useful factor for the blueshirts as the playoffs roll along (newsday)

colin stephenson credits the rangers for not being intimidated by the physicality the capitals brought to game 1 and matching it (newsday)

sam henes states that new york's 4th line will need to continue the success it had in game 1 in order for the team to go deep into the playoffs (the hockey writers)

peter baugh wonder$ whether barclay goodrow'$ $trong performance to begin the $erie$ could be the $tart of a redemption $tory following a poor regular $ea$on out of the veteran forward (the athletic)

around the nhl:

the new york islanders suffered the worst collapse in franchise playoff history on monday, ceding five unanswered goals and watching a 3-0 lead turn into a 5-3 defeat to squander game 2 against the carolina hurricanes and fall behind 2-0 in the series (ap news)

the buffalo sabres hired lindy ruff, who was previously the team's head coach from 1997-2013, for a second stint as the bench boss (sportsnet)

the toronto maple leafs prevailed in a back and forth affair with the boston bruins, scoring the go-ahead goal in the final frame and winning game 2 by a 3-2 margin to tie the series up at one win apiece (tsn)