The sports world loves the concept of “turning points” when it comes to analyzing the playoffs. Two teams close in merit battle it out, and a few select moments get singled out as ones that defined why one team won and the other lost.
The biggest turning point of the Rangers’ first-round series against the Canadiens might have come almost two full months before the playoff matchup even commenced.
The March 1st trading deadline defined the identity Montreal intended to embrace. Two diminutive forwards in David Desharnais and Sven Andrighetto were jettisoned. Dwight King, Steve Ott, and Andreas Martinsen - all known for their willingness to hit, fight, and agitate - were brought in.