Penguins Vs Rangers
Penguins vs. Rangers: A Rivalry That Defines Hockey's Biggest Stage
The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers are two of the most iconic franchises in NHL history. They have faced off in the Stanley Cup Finals five times, with the Penguins holding a 3-2 advantage. The rivalry between these two teams is one of the most heated in all of sports, and it is sure to be renewed intensity when they meet for the first time in the regular season since the Penguins swept the Rangers in the 2015 Eastern Conference semifinals.
A History of Bad Blood
The Penguins and Rangers first met in the playoffs in 1992. The Rangers won that series in seven games, but the Penguins got their revenge two years later, defeating the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The rivalry really heated up in 2008, when the Penguins and Rangers met in the Stanley Cup Finals. The Penguins won the series in six games, but the Rangers got their revenge in 2014, defeating the Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Current State of the Rivalry
The Penguins and Rangers are both coming off of successful seasons. The Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2016, and the Rangers reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017. Both teams are looking to make a deep playoff run this year, so the first meeting between these two teams could have major implications for the rest of the season.
Key Players to Watch
There are several key players to watch in this matchup. For the Penguins, Sidney Crosby is always a threat to score. The two-time Stanley Cup champion is one of the best players in the NHL, and he is always capable putting up big numbers. Evgeni Malkin is another key player for the Penguins. The Russian superstar is a dynamic playmaker who can create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. For the Rangers, Henrik Lundqvist is a key player. The Swedish goaltender is one of the best in the NHL, and blocking him at all costs.
Prediction
The Penguins and Rangers are two of the best teams in the NHL, so this is sure to be a close matchup. The Penguins have a slight edge in terms of experience, but the Rangers have a lot of young talent. It should be a great series, and it is one that hockey fans will not want to miss.
Conclusion
The Penguins and Rangers are two of the most storied franchises in NHL history. Their rivalry is one of the most heated in all of sports, and it is sure to be renewed intensity when they meet for the first time in the regular season since the Penguins swept the Rangers in the 2015 Eastern Conference semifinals. The Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup champions, but the Rangers are a young and hungry team. It should be a great series, and it is one that hockey fans will not want to miss.