NHL 2010-11 Preview: Five Predictions As the New York Rangers Season Begins

The Rangers head upstate to begin their 2010-11 season, as they pay a visit to the Buffalo Sabres. The first game will key for the Rangers, who need to get off to a quick start. Every win will count; every point will count no matter the month.

After being upset in last season’s finale, the Rangers know a win is a win whether it comes in the first week of October, or the second week of April. The Rangers start their season tonight, and they must get off to a quick start (with a win).

Last season the Rangers were 1-2-1 against the Buffalo Sabres. Their one win was a 2-1 victory in Buffalo. They need to put their struggles, against the Sabres, behind them, and gear up for a big game in Buffalo.

The first game will be a must-win for the new Rangers team, and they will have to play tough, gritty, and play well on the special teams. The power play will be a key part to the Rangers this season, and with the addition of Alexander Frolov the Rangers are set on the man advantage.

The penalty kill has always been a key part of the Rangers team, and this season should not be any different. They will not have Chris Drury for the first few games of the season, but with the addition of veteran Ruslan Fedotenko, they are right back to where they should be (on the penalty kill).

A Few Season Predictions

1. The first Ranger to a score a goal will be… Marian Gaborik. Last season he scored the second goal of the season, Drury was the first Ranger goal scorer, this season I see him scoring the first goal for the Rangers.

2. The Rangers first penalty will be taken by… Brian Boyle. I love seeing Boyle use his big body to his advantage, but I think he may get into some trouble. I see him taking the first penalty of the season, but the Rangers will kill it off.

3. The Rangers power play will land in the top 10 for the NHL. As I said, the Rangers have increased their offensive fire power, and with the big addition of Frolov to aid Gaborik, they look set for a big season on the power play. They looked very impressive during the preseason with the man advantage.

4. The Rangers penalty kill will land in the top five. This should not come as a surprise to anyone, as the Rangers have an extremely impressive penalty kill. Players like Chris Drury, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Brian Boyle, Artem Anisimov, Derek Stepan, Ruslan Fedotenko, Brandon Prust, Tim Kennedy, and Todd White all have the ability to play on the penalty kill (PK). Defensemen Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Michael Del Zotto, and Michael Rozsival will likely shape out the defensive PK unit.

5. Glen Sather will make a shocking trade at the trade deadline. I have a feeling that the Rangers will once again be in a close battle for a playoff spot when the trade deadline comes along, and Glen Sather will turn to the trade route to add one more superstar forward or defenseman to add to Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov (and Henrik Lundqvist). I’m not going to give any names, but Sather may finally be willing to let go of some youngsters to add a Star (wink wink!).

Get excited Ranger fans, the season is coming soon.

NOTE: I will have a Live Game Blog going tonight, starting at approximately 6:30pm here on Bleacher Report. There will be a short pregame, and I will have the Rangers starting lineup for all who attend. Hope you join!

If you have any questions feel free to email me at [e-mail]