NHL Playoff Schedule 2015: TV Info, Predictions for Saturday Slate

Saturday, May 2 is an important day in the world of sports. In the NHL, there is just one game to be played between two of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference.

The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals will look to carry the torch for the NHL. On the same day as the Kentucky Derby, Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Manny Pacquiao and several other events, two of the top media markets on the East Coast will have to do the job for hockey.

Luckily, this series doesn't lack stars on either side. Alex Ovechkin, a candidate for the Hart Trophy this season, is primed for another great series. Meanwhile, Henrik Lundqvist will look to pick up the pieces after conceding two goals in the loss in the opener.

Before the puck drops, here's a look at the viewing information and a prediction for the matchup.

Game Information

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York

When: Saturday, May 2 at 12:30 p.m. ET

TV: NBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports

Live Stream: NBC Sports Extra

Prediction

When Ovechkin's hot, there's truly no stopping him. So how, exactly, will the Rangers respond after his Game 1 performance? That's what makes Saturday's matchup all the more enticing. 

Ovy shot the lights out with six shots on goal, registering one goal and an assist. With only two goals scored during the entire contest, Ovechkin was a factor for both.

He also had some choice words for Lundqvist following that goal, via Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet:

But with the pedigree of goalie that New York has between the pipes, Lundqvist won't be lying down any time soon. In fact, he only conceded more than one goal once during the opening series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a streak he'll hope to start again on Saturday.

On the other side of the ice stands 25-year-old goalie Braden Holtby. Though he may only have 28 playoff games under his belt, Holtby carried 41 wins, a 2.22 goals-against average and .923 save percentage into the playoffs—all three better than Lundqvist this season.

Capitals winger Troy Brouwer passed along his thoughts on the showdown, relayed by Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post:

Suffice to say, Saturday's matchup will no doubt come down to whichever team can get the other's goalie to crack. With an experienced leader in net and several offensive weapons, it's hard to fathom the Rangers will drop to 0-2 on home ice. Expect a barnburner and New York to even up the series.

Prediction: Rangers 3, Capitals 1

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