All fans should be ecstatic after watching the New York Rangers’ 6-0 season opener win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In their first victory of the season the Rangers showed both how explosive they can be and how balanced the team is.
One important fact to takeaway from this game is that all four of New York’s lines scored goals.
This is significant as one of the biggest concerns for the Rangers going into the year was their bottom-six, and that question mark was put to rest quickly.
The Rangers’ newest addition Sam Carrick set the tone early with a goal just a few minutes into the contest. The fourth line of Carrick, Adam Edström and Jonny Brodzinski was on fire all night with their tenacity and gritty play really standing out.
If Alexis Lafrenière couldn’t get any better from last playoffs, he put his signature toe drag move on full display to put the Rangers up 2-0 in the first period. Lafrenière continued to show his superstar caliber potential.
Chris Kreider, the ageless wonder, struck gold in the final seconds of the first period and again late in the third period. Despite getting up there in age, Kreider seems to only be getting better and better offensively, something that’s hard to fathom.
The team’s third line of Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle came to play. Chytil was all over the ice offensively and scored a goal, Kakko was extremely composed with the puck on his stick and Cuylle used his big frame to make an impact in the offensive zone.
Every line seemed to have their own identity and in a way played their own specific role. If this balanced play continues, the Rangers will be the most dangerous team in the NHL.
Meanwhile, the biggest story going into the night was that of Igor Shesterkin reportedly rejecting an eight-year, $88 million contract from the Rangers.
Shesterkin is betting on himself and after the first game, it’s understandable why he is doing so. The 28-year-old recorded a 29 save shutout.
He was like a brick wall out there as he made big save after big save. With the Rangers holding a commanding lead throughout the contest, Shesterkin did not allow the Penguins to pick up any sort of momentum.
With this level of brilliance, Shesterkin might even earn himself $12 million per season.
The Rangers were able to turn it on almost on command and their dominance over Pittsburgh was undeniable.
This is a team with Stanley Cup aspirations and they showed what they are ultimately capable of achieving in the long run.
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