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2002 Stanley Cup Finals
MIKE FRANCESA STYLE BREAKDOWN: RANGERS VS STARS — THE STANLEY CUP FINALS HISTORY & OUTLOOK
Alright listen, folks. We’ve been here before, okay? The New York Rangers and the Dallas Stars—two teams with a little history, a little bad blood, and a whole lotta hardware between them. This ain’t new. This isn’t some Cinderella story. This is two legit contenders going head-to-head again in the Stanley Cup Finals. Now let me walk you through it.
The history? Oh, it’s deep. It’s real deep.
This’ll be the seventh time these two teams have met in the Stanley Cup Final. That’s not nothin’. This is Ali-Frazier, alright? This is Yankees-Red Sox, Lakers-Celtics. We’ve seen it over decades. Here's the rundown:
1989: Rangers in 6
1990: Stars sweep, 4-0 — total domination, not even close.
1991: Rangers in 6
1992: Rangers in 5 — short work, no drama.
1998: Rangers in 6
2000: Stars in 7 — great series, went the distance.
So let’s just state the obvious: Rangers have won 4 of the 6 matchups, and they’ve done it convincingly. When the Rangers win, they don’t fool around. They take control.
Now listen, I know the Stars are good. I’m not saying they’re not. You got guys like Brayden Grubin tearing the cover off the puck, Jabiri’s no slouch, and that lineup top to bottom—it’s scrappy. But let’s be honest here: Dallas struggles when the Rangers push the pace. Always have.
This year? It’s gonna be no different.
The Rangers’ offense is relentless. I’m talking four lines that can all score, move the puck, wear you down, and bury you by the third period. You can’t key in on one guy. There’s no weak spot. They come at you in waves. The forecheck is heavy. The power play is elite. And defensively? They’re not flashy, but they’re effective. They clog the neutral zone. They make you earn everything.
The Stars? I’ll say this—if they’re gonna win this thing, it’s gonna have to be because their goaltending stands on its head. That’s it. They need their goalie to steal a couple games. Because they’re not gonna outscore the Rangers in a 7-game series. Not this year. Not with this Rangers team.
I’ve seen enough hockey over the years to know when a team has “it.” And folks, the Rangers have it.
Final Word:
I’m banking on the Rangers. I said it last week, I’m sayin’ it again. Too much depth. Too much firepower. Too much pedigree.
Prediction: Rangers in 6.
Book it.
And if I'm wrong? I’ll come on here and I’ll say I’m wrong. But I won’t be.
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