Rangers make big statement, take 2-0 series lead on Lightning

When the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals began there was every reason to be at least somewhat skeptical of the New York Rangers chances.

They were getting carried by goaltending and special teams through the first two rounds, and were going to be facing a matchup with the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning who also happened to have a goalie that could match Igor Shesterkin. It was going to be a big test to see just how far the young Rangers have come.

Through two games they are passing that test with flying colors.

Thanks to their 3-2 win over the Lightning in Game 2 on Friday night, the Rangers now have a 2-0 lead in the series as it shifts to Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon and are just two wins away from returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

Before this game the Lightning had been 18-0 in their previous 18 playoff games following a loss.

The two key factors in Game 2: Shesterkin outplaying Andrei Vasilevskiy for the second game in a row, and the Rangers’ young players continuing to make a massive impact.

Let’s start with Shesterkin.

He has been the Rangers’ MVP all season and has continued that level of play into the playoffs. Outside of those two nightmare games early in the First Round in Pittsburgh he has been as dominant as a goalie can be in the playoffs, shutting down top offenses and standing tall no matter what sort of work load he is asked to face. In terms of scoring chances and expected goals against the Rangers have been one of the bottom teams in the playoffs defending, but Shesterkin has sensational when they have needed him. That includes in the final two minutes in Game 2 on Friday where he helped the Rangers preserve a one-goal lead.

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