This article is part of our The Daily Puck series.
Around the Rink
We could add two more teams to the Conference Finals brackets today as there are two elimination games on the docket. The Caps and Ducks look to finish off their series and move on, while the Rangers and Flames will try to keep their seasons alive.
The Ducks have outscored the Flames 16-5 in their series and are looking dominant through four games. The Flames have to hope to catch lightning in a bottle some how, starting by getting stronger goaltending and defense to keep the Ducks offense contained.
The Rangers are in better shape down three games to two in their series with Washington and coming off a 2-1 overtime win in Game 5. Every game in the series has been decided by one goal, suggesting that just a bounce either way could have led to a different outcome. The Caps have to be thinking that they don't want a Game 7 back in New York when the Rangers would have all the momentum. They want to end this series today and make just the third appearance in the Conference Finals in franchise history.
Now, here is what you need to know for Sunday's games.
Projected Goalie Starters (all times Eastern)
For updates on the projected goalies later in the day, check out our Projected Goalies Grid.
New York Rangers (Henrik Lundqvist*) at Washington Capitals (Braden Holtby*), 7:00 PM
Calgary Flames (Karri Ramo*) at Anaheim Ducks (Frederik Andersen*), 10:00 PM
*Confirmed Starters
Injury News For Teams Playing Wednesday
New York Rangers
Mats Zuccarello, RW - Zuccarello (upper body) will not be available for the entirety of the Rangers' second-round series against the Capitals, Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports. (4/30/2015)
Washington Capitals
Eric Fehr, RW - Fehr (shoulder) was the only player to take the ice Thursday and remains day-to-day, Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington reports. (5/7/2015)
Michael Latta, C - Latta was not at practice Wednesday due to an illness, Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post reports. (5/6/2015)
Calgary Flames
Mark Giordano, D - Giordano (biceps) is unlikely to be available this week, the Calgary Herald reports. (5/5/2015)
Anaheim Ducks
No news
Hot
Braden Holtby, G – After finishing in the top 10 in both goals against and save percentage in the regular season, Holtby has shined in the playoffs leading all remaining goalies with a 1.51 goals against and .951 save percentage and outplaying Henrik Lunqvist. A year ago, it wasn't clear if Holtby was the guy the Caps could count on to take them deep into the playoffs, but he has proven himself. The Caps playoff run goes as far as Holtby carries them.
Ryan Getzlaf, C – He was shut out in Game 4 by Calgary, but the big center has 8 points in the series, including seven assists. While he was contained more effectively by Winnipeg (four points in four games), the Flames have really had no answer for Getzlaf (and Corey Perry).
Cold
Rick Nash, LW – The Rangers play a pretty tight-checking game, in general, that gets cranked up higher in the playoffs, but it's incredible they've made it even this far with such poor production from Nash. After scoring 42 times in the regular season, he has just one goal and five assists in the playoffs. Against Washington, he has just two assists in the series. Credit the Caps for checking him effectively, but the Rangers need more from their best offensive player.
Karri Ramo, G – Ramo hasn't been able to withstand the Ducks attack and give Calgary a chance to compete in the series, posting an .893 save percentage in the series and he has allowed at least three goals in three of the four games in which he has appeared. Coach Bob Hartley will go with Ramo again in Game 5 despite his struggles, but if he doesn't find another gear, Calgary likely won't see Game 6.
Recommended Value Play
Jakob Silfverberg, RW – Take a look at the young Swede who ranks third for Anaheim in scoring in the playoffs behind their two superstars with nine points. He has three points in the series against Calgary, including a goal and an assist in Game 4. His price point compared to someone like the slumping Nash, is desirable.
