First Period:
Second Period:
- Mika Zibanejad (1) (Shorthanded) Assists: Jacob Trouba (1), K’Andre Miller (1)
- Steven Stamkos (1) (Power Play) Assists: Nikita Kucherov (1), Brayden Point (1)
Third Period:
- Mika Zibanejad (2) Assists: Artemi Panarin (1), Chris Kreider (1)
- Barclay Goodrow (1) Assists: Ryan Lindgren (1), Ryan Carpenter (1)
Three Stars:
- 3: Jacob Trouba
- 2: Barclay Goodrow
- 1: Mika Zibanejad
Stats:
Adam Rotter:
- There were too many penalties, but other than that this was a very nice Opening Night for the Rangers. They controlled the puck, dominated in shots and Igor Shesterkin had to be good, but not All-World for them to win this game.
- In general they looked and played like this was a continuation of the playoffs. They were pretty sharp, pretty quick, were engaged, won battles
- I think that Chris Kreider will have a tough time repeating as a 50-goal scorer because Mika Zibanejad is going to lead the Rangers in goals this season. The play he made on the first goal was beautiful and that slapper on the PP will continue to fill the net this season. It may not stay that way forever, but I think Zibanejad at $8.5 million is going to look like a bargain for the Rangers.
- I thought Kaapo Kakko was pretty good on the top line and Alexei Lafreniere, even after having to switch to the right side for most of the game, looked good. Both of them were looking to shoot and that is a good sign.
- Really tough break for Vitali Kravtsov. We’ll see what his injury ultimately is and how long he’ll be out, but this was not the start that anyone was envisioning for him.
- Overall most everyone was good tonight. Jimmy Vesey was noticeable and Barclay Goodrow’s goal sort of cancels out some of his penalties.
- A big night at the faceoff dot, winning 64%, is hopefully a sign of things to come.
- So they are 1-0 and got some big performances from their big guys. Next up they have their first back-to-back of the season as they go to Minnesota and then Winnipeg on Thursday and Friday.