Ovechkin On Playoff Run The Washington Capitals have been playing in playoff-like games for months now, but on Sunday, it's the real deal as they take on the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here are three keys to keep in mind as they face ex-head coach Peter Laviolette and the Presidents' Trophy winners. STAY ON THE DEFENSIVE A big reason for Washington's playoff appearance is the play of Charlie Lindgren. The 30-year-old has been outstanding for D.C., and since Jan. 16, no goaltender has faced or saved more shots than No. 79. Getting another strong showing from Lindgren will be key, as he's been able to steal a handful of games this season. However, it won't just come down to him, especially against the likes of his brother's team's firepower; the defense needs to bring its A-game. Washington figures to be shorthanded on the blue line again to open the series, with Rasmus Sandin and Nick Jensen progressing but not yet participating in a full-contact practice. Neither was ruled out for Sunday's contest, but given the usual protocol, neither of them figure to be ready for Game 1. The Capitals will again rely on the likes of John Carlson, Martin Fehervary and Trevor van Riemsdyk to eat big minutes, while Alex Alexeyev, Vincent Iorio and Dylan McIlrath will also have to step up and play bigger roles to shut down the likes of Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. At the end of the day, staying on the defensive, sacrificing the body and staying on top of assignments should help D.C. when it comes to facing the red-hot Blueshirts. SUSTAIN PRESSURE THROUGH 60 MINUTES Another key for the Capitals will be to play a full 60 minutes and not step off the gas. That means making smart passes — but not overpassing — getting pucks to the net and relying on the likes of Alex Ovechkin and more to provide offense. An issue toward the end of the season for Washington was getting pucks on net, but if D.C. can do more to generate chances, it'll go a long way against the Rangers. STAY DISCIPLINED Given the bad blood and rivalry that's brewed between these two clubs over the years, the Capitals know that things could get physical — and fast — against New York, especially with Matt Rempe looking to provide a spark. That said, Washington needs to stay disciplined and not buy into any fighting or physicality. The Rangers' power play packs a punch, and their star power already poses a major threat at even strength, so it will be key to stay out of the box. Tom Wilson put it best discussing Rempe 1-on-1 with The Hockey News on Saturday [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-tom-wilson-matt-rempe-appraoch-physical-series-new-york-rangers]. "At this time of year, you're focused on winning games. I think fighting can take a little bit of a backseat in the playoffs, just because it's so important," Wilson said. "Every play, every shift, every puck is so important. I don't think guys want to be sitting in the box for that long period of time; you want to have an impact on the game." STORYLINES TO WATCH - First-year NHL head coach Spencer Carbery is the youngest coach in this year's playoffs. Laviolette, who parted ways with D.C. last season after the team missed out on the postseason for the first time in nine years, will be on the other side. - Lindgren will be in net, and his brother, Ryan, will be manning New York's blue line on the other side. It's the first time that two brothers have faced off in a Capitals-Rangers series since 1990, when Kelly and Kevin Miller faced off. - Rempe admires Wilson and the way he plays the game, and he used to watch highlights of his hits to get fired up. While Wilson is excited to see what the New York rookie enforcer does with his opportunity, he isn't sold entirely on dropping the gloves. That said, emotions get high, and anything can happen.
