NHL Playoffs 2012: 3 Keys to Victory in Game 2 for New York Rangers

Game 2 between the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators kicks off tonight, with the Sens looking to rebound from a 4-2 defeat by the hands of the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference Thursday night.

For the Blueshirts, they should expect Ottawa to come out fierce in an effort to swing momentum in their favor and dictate the pace. To counter that, New York will simply have to play their game and establish their home ice. 

However, here are three keys that are essential for the Rangers to head to Ottawa up 2-0 in the series. 

Limit the Penalties

New York only took three penalties against Ottawa in Game 1. A seemingly harmless number, right?

Against the 11th-best team on the power play, it isn't.

It didn't burn the team on Thursday, but the Rangers must be disciplined against a team that can roll out offensive players like Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson and Norris trophy-favorite Erik Karlsson.

Fix the Power Play Woes

Starting out 0-5 with the man advantage in Game 1 won't help anyone forget the disappointing season the New York Rangers' power play had overall.

Both power play units had their chances, but couldn't break through against Craig Anderson. 

If New York can continue to have crisp puck movement, get bodies in front and keep Ottawa defenders moving, it will score some goals.

It's not necessary to have a lethal power play to win in the playoffs—the 2011 champion Boston Bruins proved that—but scoring on the man advantage is always a great help.

Control the Defensive Lapses

If not for some key saves by Henrik Lundqvist, Game 1's final score would have been much different, perhaps in the favor of the Senators.

I'm sure Lundqvist was pleased with his defenders in front of him.

The King finished with 30 saves and was the difference-maker in the second period of Game 1, when Ottawa had continued offensive pressure on the Rangers. The Senators were able to score two goals late in the third period when the game was 4-0 thanks to New York's defensive breakdowns.

It may not seem like a lot, but those two goals could be the reason Ottawa feels good about themselves heading into Game 2.

Coach John Tortorella will make sure his young defenders tighten up their play prior to tonight's game.