The Rangers are 3-0 for the first time since the 1989-90 season, but will have their work cut out for them tonight against the Flyers (7:00pm – MSG) in Philadelphia’s home opener.
Brandon Dubinsky lead the way (a goal and two assists) and linemate Adam Voros (a goal and an assist) helped out in the 4-2 win over the rising Blackhawks, overcoming a sloppy game that saw the home team struggle with the young Chicago forecheck, causing numerous turnovers on the night.
In fact the play of the second line was truly a revelation for a team that was desperately looking for more scoring outside of the first line.
Three of the Rangers’ four goals were scored by newcomers to the team, with Voros joined by linemate Nikolai Zherdev on the score sheet, as well as Wade Redden…who perhaps could have had one or two more goals on the night, if not for some miscues.
Henrik Lundqvist had a solid game in net, stopping 30 of 32 shots, and outplayed Blackhawks goalie Cristobal Huet in the game. The four goals given up by the new Chicago netminder has Hawks coach Denis Savard considering a change for his next game.
For more from the Chicago side, check out the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times.
Fredrik Sjostrom made his first start of the season, replacing Petr Prucha in the line-up. Sjostrom played the majority of the game on the fourth line, but saw some PK time.
The controversy started by Larry Brooks in the Post yesterday over allowing Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin to drop the puck at the Flyers home opener continues. In a poll by the local Philly papers, two thirds of respondents thought it was a bad idea, which makes one wonder whether there might be more than a few boos tonight.
The Wolf Pack open their season tonight against the Springfield Falcons. The teams has once again been made over from last year, with a largely inexperienced blueline.
Down in the ECHL, the Charlotte Checkers demolished the Mississippi Sea Wolves 9-1 in an exhibition game. Down in the NCAA, Carl Hagelin scored a goal and an assist to help pace the Wolverines to a 4-3 win over St Lawrence. Max Campbell scored the game winner on a power play, as WMU defeated Niagara 4-2, and Derek Stepan had an assist in a 5-4 loss by the Badgers to Boston College.
CAR
PIT
CBJ