Make that a perfect 4-0 on the season…the first time since 1983-84 for all those who are counting. But once again, it didn’t come easy for the Rangers, even if they did get off to a 4-0 lead in the first period, defeating the Flyers in their season opener.
The Flyers got off to a slow start and the Rangers took full advantage. But the home team fought back, and the Blueshirts were only just able to hang on.
The Flyers, entered the season with all sorts of problems on the blueline. Derian Hatcher and Ryan Parent are out with long term injuries, and they got news that the injury to Randy Jones will keep him out for up to 3-4 months…twice as long as first suspected. It did however allow the team to start Italian born, Swiss defenseman Lucas Sbisa, the youngest d-man ever to play for the franchise.
The NY Post has a Q&A with Scott Gomez today. Gomez didn’t have a great game (reportedly suffering from the flu), but did get a kiss on the cheek from fellow Alaskan Sarah Palin during the pre-game ceremonies.
There’s been much controversy in the last couple of days about Palin dropping the puck, and the Philadelphia fans didn’t seem too happy with team chairman Ed Snider’s choice to host a Republican, giving her some hearty boos that was only barely drowned out by loud music.
Like many nights last season, the Hartford Wolf Pack appeared to mirrored the performance of their parent club…only the Rangers AHL affiliate could not hold onto a 3-0 first period lead, ultimately falling 4-3 to the Springfield Falcons.