I don't think the Caps are preparing them well for the Canes. It is going to be orders of magnitude more difficult. But hey, they'll ramp up when they have to.
Do we actually know that Chytil wasn't ready to go? It was a complete surprise that he was even in the realm of returning. I don't think we have much real info about how and when he got to this point - except that he's ready now if the team needs him.
I think Vegas may ultimately be tougher for NYR than Dallas. Just a little heavier and meaner with plenty of firepower. DAL losing in the 1st round would send the analytics orthodoxy into a little bit of a crisis, and that can't be all bad. The swooning over them this season has been annoying.
Wasn't the prettiest game, but a crucial win. Brooksie put them on notice that they had to win Game 2 and they did. They're very much in control going on the road. While it wasn't the perfect game the last one was, the team is still on track.