I know that many may chide me for even saying this. But looking at history:
No NHL team has ever gone 7 games in the 1st two rounds and won the Stanley Cup.
I heard Mike Francesca mention this on WFAN, and I don't know if it applies to teams that made it to the Final and lost.
But it's a pretty big stat. People mentioned to me about the Boston Bruins in 2010, who went:
7 in Round 1 vs. Mtl
4 in Round 2 vs. Philly
7 in Round 3 vs. TB
7 in Round 4 vs. Van
But that rest in Round 2 might have been vital. I know it is for the Devils with guys like Kovalchuk, Zidlicky and Volchenkov getting more time to rest.
But two questions I'm wondering:
1) How much more important is the rest after Round 2 (halfway to the Cup) than Round 1?
2) Does the fact that both of these teams (Washington & the Rangers) going 7 compared with the Boston example make you more confidence heading forward?