The New York Rangers are gearing up for a challenging matchup in the Eastern Conference Final as they take on the formidable Florida Panthers. While the Rangers entered the postseason as the Presidents' Trophy winners, the Panthers have gained attention as the reigning Stanley Cup runner-up with a strong regular season performance.

Both teams have impressive goaltenders, with the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin standing out for his consistent performance throughout the playoffs. Shesterkin boasts a second-ranked .923 save percentage during his 10 games, while the Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky sits at .902 through 11 games. However, Bobrovsky had better numbers in the regular season, with a fourth-ranked .915 save percentage.

The Panthers have relied on their defense-first approach, evident from their low goals-against average per game and average shots against per game during the regular season. Their defensive strength has carried over into the playoffs, with the team giving up more than two goals in a game only three times. Defensemen Brandon Montour and Niko Mikkola have been leading the charge, creating a tough challenge for the Rangers' offensive line.

The Rangers, on the other hand, possess a wealth of star power up front, with players like Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafreniere, and Vincent Trocheck shining during the playoffs. Panarin leads the NHL with four game-winning goals, while Lafreniere continues his breakout season. Chris Kreider has also been instrumental, scoring a team-leading seven goals this postseason, including a memorable natural hat trick.

Special teams will be crucial in this series, as the Rangers' power play has been a significant factor in their success, ranking third in the NHL with a 31.4 percent conversion rate. Meanwhile, the Panthers sit at 22 percent on the power play. While both teams have strong penalty-killing units, the Rangers hold the edge with their offensive capabilities even when shorthanded, leading the league with four shorthanded goals.

Behind the bench, both head coaches have made a significant impact on their respective teams. Paul Maurice has led the Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season, while Peter Laviolette has influenced the Rangers' structure and mindset in his inaugural year with the team.

The Rangers will need to maintain their uptempo pace to contend with the Panthers' speed. This series promises to be a closely fought battle, with no team backing down. Ultimately, the performance of goaltender Igor Shesterkin and the Rangers' potent power play could make the difference in tipping the scales in their favor.

The Panthers may have been considered the favorites in the East this season, but the Rangers are determined to prove themselves. With their depth, special teams proficiency, and goaltending prowess, the Rangers hold a slight edge heading into what promises to be a grueling series.