After slow first game, any reason for concern for the New York Rangers? 

Coming out of the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals, a lot of people are talking about how good Florida Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky was in his second career playoff shutout.

However, it is worth noting that the New York Rangers were outshot in Game 1 on Wednesday night, 27-23. The usually strong offensive pressure from the President’s Trophy winners was limited in the 3-0 loss, the first time the Blueshirts failed to score a goal in these playoffs. One of the most notable stats was that the Rangers were unable to capitalize on their two power-play chances.

Now, it is wrong to push the panic button after just one game. However, if the Rangers offense is silenced, it is going to be tough for them to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 10 years.

On Thursday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Colby Cohen talk about whether or not there is a reason to be concerned about the Rangers’ performance in Game 1.

Colby Cohen: New York really largely did not put enough pressure on Sergei Bobrovsky or the Panthers’ defense…My level of concern is never high after a Game 1. The New York Rangers have been a really good team all season long. They’ve got really good goaltending, which they didn’t get last night, and I expect them to get the rest of the series. Look, let’s not kid ourselves, the ground-and-pound game…that’s the Florida Panthers. There’s a certain level of concern I have. The New York Rangers can’t play physical when they’re constantly late to pucks.

I think the Rangers will claw their way back into the series, but I feel really good that I picked the Florida Panthers to win the Eastern Conference Finals.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…