MSG Network analyst Joe Micheletti talks Rangers and Devils playoffs with The Post’s Justin Terranova. The run to the Stanley Cup begins Wednesday.
Q: Do you see the Rangers as the Stanley Cup favorite?
A: I’ve always felt that until you beat the champs, the champs deserve to hold on to the crown. The Rangers have beaten the Bruins three out of four times, and the Rangers are absolutely confident they can beat them. In particular, what gives me a little more calmness is that the Rangers’ power play seems to be coming around.
Q: There are a lot of upsets traditionally in the NHL playoffs. How important was it for the Rangers to earn the top seed?
A: It’s most important if you get to a Game 7. That’s when it gives the home team an edge. … I don’t think anyone would say it, but no one wants to end up 4 or 5 because then you get Pittsburgh or Philadelphia in the first round.
Q: What makes the Rangers a difficult matchup?
A: If you don’t match the Rangers with your will you are not going to beat them. The Rangers are a tough team to play against because you get the puck, you know you are going to get hit. You know you are going to get pressure. … I just don’t think there are a lot of teams that are as strong-willed as they are. You have a lot of work to do if you are going to beat them.
Q: Are the Devils capable of a run?
A: They have some high-end players and a goaltender who’s trying to defy what everyone thinks. A lot of people thought in the beginning of the season that this was it for Marty [Brodeur]. And then I don’t know what happened, after the All-Star break he had a good run. And they got Travis Zajac back, and as close to 100 percent he can get to. When you have Zach Parise, Ilya Kovalchuk … It’s an organization that knows how to win and I like what Pete DeBoer has done there. He’s been very underrated.
Q: After the way the regular season ended, are you looking forward to a potential second-round matchup between the Rangers and Devils?
A: I don’t think we’d see that in the playoffs, players dropping their gloves two seconds into the game. But if you want hitting, tough, intense hockey and great goaltending it would be a wonderful series if it turns out that way.