The first three meetings in the post-season between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals have been tight low-scoring games, but I think that's about to change as the teams suit up for Game 4 in this Eastern Conference semifinals series.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational - Washington has clammed up over the first three games and have been rewarded with a 2-1 lead in the series. I think Barry Trotz will release the handbrake tonight and really let his men go for it tonight. Taking a 3-1 lead to Madison Square Garden would be huge, but it would be even bigger to get it while annihilating the Rangers on home-ice.

2. New York Rangers Creativity - The Rangers were shut out in Monday's 1-0 loss, but Martin St. Louis wasn't not too disappointed with his own and his team-mates performance; "We're generating chances, it's never as bad as it looks. ... We're a confident bunch." I got to agree with him here, the Rangers still had 30 shots on goal in the loss and keep in mind that they put 12 past Holtby over four regular-season meetings so it's quite clear they know how to score on him.

3. X-Factor - Alexander Ovechkin was held off the score sheet Monday after generating two goals and one assist over the first two games. He's 4+4 in the post-season so far and odds are he'll ship in with a point or two tonight again.

Selection: This is a play on NYR@WAS to go over the total (8*)