The New York Rangers have been here before.
Dropping the first two games of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series with the Boston Bruins, New York is completely familiar with what it takes to mount a comeback after falling into an early deficit.
In their opening round series with the third-seeded Washington Capitals, New York slipped into a quick 0-2 hole but went on to win the series in 7 games thanks to dominant play on their home ice inside Madison Square Garden.
The Blue Shirts will need the same type of play heading into Game 3 of the semis, where they'll host Boston for the first time in the series.
The puck is set to drop for Game 3 on Tuesday, May 21st at 7:30pm, EDT. Coverage will be provided by the NBC Sports Network and TSN television.
New York dropped a heartbreaker in Game 1, falling 3-2 in overtime. Even though the offense was able to keep up with an explosive Bruins unit, the Rangers once again struggled on the power play, something that's plagued them throughout the season.
Defenseman Dan Girardi voiced his displeasure with the power play effort following the Game 1 defeat as he knows the Rangers won't be competitive unless something changes for the better.
"We need to get good chances and create momentum," Girardi said to NHL.com after the loss. "We've got to get a goal on the power play. It's a difference maker. We don't get one and we lose the game. We definitely have to figure out something with that."
Heading into Game 2, New York felt they had the capability to even the series but after a brutal third period saw Boston take control of the game, New York was once again in a series hole.
While they were much improved in the forecheck department in the loss, they were simply not able to battle the fierce attack on both ends of the ice Boston brought throughout the game.
Knowing a win at home in game 3 will give New York some much-needed confidence, goalie Henrik Lunqvist says belief in one another and experience in playing from behind should help moving forward.
"You have to believe in yourself, in your teammates that you can do it," Lundqvist said to NHL reporters. "We've been here before, but we're not looking too far ahead. We're looking at Game 3, we're looking at the first period and get a good start at home, build some confidence there and we'll see where it takes us."
The challenge to claw their way back in the series is undoubtedly difficult given the overall talent of the Boston Bruins.
With superstar players in David Krejci - the team leader in playoff points with 16 - and dominant threats such as defenseman Zdeno Chara and goalie Tuukka Rask, Boston has the capability to make a strong run in this year's postseason.
As they look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, be sure to watch the Boston Bruins take on the New York Rangers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Tuesday, May 21st.
The game starts at 7:30pm, EDT with coverage available through the NBC Sports Network and TSN television.
WATCH Higlights From Boston's Dominant Game 2 Victory:
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