RETURN OF THE RANGERS

The New York Rangers celebrate their return to the Stanley Cup Finals.

The New York Rangers are back in the Stanley Cup Finals and King Henrik reigns supreme.

Down 3-1 in the series, desperation prevailed in Game 5 as the Montreal Canadiens staved off elimination to live another game. In that next game they weren't so lucky. Although Henrik Lundqvist only had to make 18 saves, of which one was a spectacular blocker save, in Game 6, he was stellar when his team needed him to be. Dominic Moore score the lone goal and the Rangers played a near perfect game defensively to advance to their first Stanley Cup Finals after winning it twenty years ago. Also noteworthy, this was their first series win in less than seven games since 2008.

Most people probably assumed the Habs stood little chance against the Rangers after losing Carey Price to a knee injury in Game 1, but rookie goalie, Dustin Tokarski, surprised them all as he really gave Lundqvist a run for his money. Tokarski was great and he gave his team a chance to win in every game. In the end though, it wasn't enough. The Canadiens defensive play from the first two series was nowhere to be found against New York and too many of the forwards underachieved. When you face the best goalie in the playoffs at the moment, that simply won't do.

So what chances do the New York Rangers have in the finals, either against Chicago or Los Angeles? I would say, based on what they have achieved so far, they have a very good chance. Having Lundqvist in the net is reason enough to think they can beat any of those powerhouses from the west.

RANGERS LOOKING TO CLOSE

The New York Rangers celebrate the OT win in Game 7 against 

the New Jersey Devils in 1994.

It has been exactly twenty years since Stephane Matteau scored his game-winner in OT against the New Jersey Devils in Game 7 of the 1994 Conference Final. Tonight the New York Rangers will try to repeat that effort in Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Rangers have made life very difficult for the Habs so far. They have scored first in most of the games and made Montreal chase the game throughout the series. Even though Dustin Tokarski is not to blame for any of the losses, he has been pretty solid, he has still been outplayed by Henrik Lundqvist, who has been nothing short of spectacular. The Rangers are also firing on all cylinders offensively now that Rich Nash seems to have regained his scoring touch.

The Habs, on the other hand, are desperately looking for more contribution from, first and foremost, Max Pacioretty who has only 9 points so far in the playoffs. Getting points from the slumbering Thomas Vanek would also be welcomed by the desperate Canadiens. There isn't much that would indicate this season will continue for Montreal past Game 5. Other than just desperation that is. Being on the brink of elimination makes for a dangerous team and the Rangers are well aware of this, having come back from being down 3-1 against the Penguins. They know how tough it is to get that elusive forth win.

I think we will see a faster and more urgent Montreal team. But I also think it won't be enough. Henrik Lundqvist will once again give his team a chance to win and I think they will take it.