NHL 24 predicts the winner between the Rangers and Capitals first-round matchup

Continuing with our NHL 24 playoff simulation series, we got the President Trophy winners facing off against the Washington Capitals. 

These two teams split the season series 2-2. Charlie Lindgren did not play in their first matchup, but he was spectacular in his three games against the Rangers this season, posting a 2-1 record and putting up a 1.35 goals-against-average and a .955 save percentage.

New York has gotten the better of Washington in their last three playoff series against them, though every one of those series went to seven games. 

There could be some animosity between these two teams. Back in 2021, Capitals forward Tom Wilson and Rangers star player Artemi Panarin got into it with Wilson throwing Panarin to the ice while the Rangers forward was without his helmet. This led to the Rangers calling out the head of NHL Department of Player Safety George Parros, claiming he was unfit for his role. A line brawl ensued in their next match against each other just two days later. 

Now, our simulation did not predict any line brawls or much animosity, instead a low-scoring first three games of the series until the Rangers unleashed their offensive firepower in games four and five to close out the series.

Artemi Panarin, outside of needing to watch out for Tom Wilson, needs to step up in these NHL Playoffs since he's been regarded by some as a star player who goes quiet in the post-season. Luckily for New York fans, our simulation had him leading the series in scoring with five assists and seven points.

Deadline acquisition Alex Wennberg provided extra production for the Rangers with three goals and six points in the series.

The MVP of this series though went to Igor Shesterkin. Although he was pulled in game two after allowing three goals on 12 shots, he bounced back and finished the series with a 1.81 goals-against-average and a .942 save percentage.

New York and Washington are scheduled to get their series underway on Sunday at 3pm EST.

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