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NHL legend Henrik Lundqvist believes pressure will be on Rangers stars to turn up for Game 5 against Panthers
NHL legend Henrik Lundqvist believes the pressure is mounting on the New York Rangers's top players heading into Thursday's pivotal Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.
Speaking on the NHL on TNT show, Lundqvist noted that while the Rangers' depth has stepped up lately, their stars will feel pressed to deliver in Game 5.
"I think they feel the pressure now to come through a little bit. They've been relying on the 3rd and 4th lines in the last couple of games and they're doing such a good job," Lundqvist said, praising the play of Alexis Lafrenière.
Lundqvist stressed the importance of New Yorks players stepping up their performance.
"But yeah, the big guys are gonna feel a bit of pressure when they turn up for Game 5," he stated.
The Rangers fell 3-2 in overtime in Game 4, unable to take a commanding series lead. However, with Igor Shesterkin leading the way, the Rangers have held their own against the formidable Panthers so far.
Game 5: Rangers vs Panthers preview
The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers are gearing up for a crucial Game 5 in their playoff series. Both teams acknowledge the need for improvement and the importance of this pivotal game.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette emphasized the necessity for his team to elevate their performance:
"Generally, there's a lot we can be better at with our game, and we're going to need to. I thought we played better at home than we did on the road, and we were able to get an overtime win in Game 3, and set it up now for a best-of-three going back to our building."
New York captain Jacob Trouba echoed his coach's sentiments:
"Back to New York, it's 2-2, get ready for Game 5. We didn't expect it to be an easy series."
On the other side, Panthers coach Paul Maurice praised the quality of hockey being played in the series.
"I think it's phenomenal hockey," Maurice said. "If you're up three-nothing, that's easy for the coach to say. But it's 2-2. It's tight. Great saves at both ends. There's incredible skill, incredible speed... just two really good teams. You can tell they have good leadership. They've got great skill."
Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said:
"It's going to be a great atmosphere up in New York for Game 5. At the end of the day, they earned it. They had more points in the regular season, so it's up to us to go in there and just win a road game like we have this year."
With the series tied, the stage is set for an entertaining and crucial matchup in the Big Apple.
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