To quote friend of the blog Derek, “uncharted territory this sweep thing.” At least for the Rangers it certainly is, as typically every series the Blueshirts play feels contractually obligated to go seven games. We talked in our series preview about the need to get this series with the Capitals over with quickly, as it would be the best way for the team to set up a deep run. Maybe the boys were reading along like you do at home because they certainly listened, as the first team through to the second round. Let’s talk about what went right in the Rangers 4-2 game four win that clinched the series.

Game four was defined by a big night from the Ranger powerplay, and in particular the play of Artemi Panarin. After an explosive game one that featured a goal, number ten hadn’t had a point despite being very involved in all three zones, but he came out firing in game four and his two-point night (1 G, 1 A) was enough to help the Rangers clinch the series. His third period game winner was as clutch as they come, and it is another feather in the cap of what has been an MVP caliber season for Panarin. Not to be outdone Vinny Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad continued their stellar play in this series as they combined for three points in the 4-2 win. Kaapo Kakko even got in on the act as his line was rewarded for all the hard work they have done in the series.

While the offense continued to do its part in this series, we’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight the brilliance of Igor Shesterkin who was absolutely terrific in this series from start to finish. It is funny saying that now after how much energy was spent worrying about the goaltender in the middle of the season, but he continues to allay those fears with ease. It almost seems he was taking goals against personally in this series as several of his best saves immediately followed conceding a goal. Shesterkin’s work in the second period of game four was particularly brilliant, as the defense was trapped in the zone and had their worst period of the series as unit. Sometimes in the playoffs you need your goalie to bail you out, and that’s exactly what 31 did.

We’ve talked a lot about the Rangers winning this series in each phase with a complete team effort, and a big part of that has been their excellent special teams play. The stats below speak for themselves, as the Blueshirts used their powerplay and penalty kill to tilt the ice in their direction. Of course, this is nothing new, as both units have done their part all year long, playing a critical role in the team’s success. It’s a credit to the players for their work on both units, but let’s shout out the coaches whose pre-series gameplan and in game adjustments essentially neutralized both of the Capitals special team’s units.

Now that the series is over, the Rangers can take advantage of the sweep and get some extra rest. They will need it as the road and likely opponent (the Hurricanes) ahead will be grueling and will pit them against teams that are a clear step up in quality from the Capitals. We couldn’t have asked for much more though to this point, the Rangers avoided injury (not easy in this series), played well in each game, and frankly acted like a top seeded team playing a team that didn’t have much business being in the playoffs. While we say good riddance to Tom Wilson, unfortunately we must also say goodbye to hearing Sam Rosen’s voice on Ranger games this season, as MSG will not carry the games in the second round and beyond. While the legend may be slipping with age and Joe Micheletti isn’t our favorite analyst at times, Sam and Joe are our companions for 82 nights a season and there is something comforting about that. As a tribute to both of them I picked out one of my favorite calls of the season from the booth…until October boys!

Before we sign off, I wanted to toss in a fun time capsule highlight. This Rangers sweep of the Capitals was the first for the Blueshirts since the 2007 playoffs, when they swept the now defunct Atlanta Thrashers in round one. That series win was the clubs first since 1997 and there are some awesome throwback names in the highlights below in both lineups. And yes, the last Rangers sweep before 07, was in 1994 as they dispatched the Islanders in four in the first round…in case you’re superstitious.

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