Rangers Beat Blackhawks in Garden Opener

The Rangers finally made it back home after their European tour to take on the Chicago Blackhawks at the Garden last night in an original six matchup. Legends Andy Bathgate, Harry Howell and Adam Graves dropped the ceremonial first puck. And away the two teams went. But the game had to be stopped because the former Rangers were just left standing at center ice. Howell did manage to get whistled for a hooking penalty, though.

Back to reality. Aaron Voros was bumped up to the second line, playing on the left side with Brandon Dubinsky and Nikolai Zherdev. I think we may have something with this line. They combined for seven points in the 4-2 victory. Dubinsky scored a goal and had two assists, and Voros and Zherdev each had a goal and a helper. The trio dominated the game all night. Voros added a physical presence to the line opening up space for the other two. All three of their goals came when they created turnovers either in the neutral zone or by forechecking aggressively. They attacked Chicago every time they were on the ice. Even their celebrations after they score a goal are energetic and exciting. Voros and Dubinsky led the team with four shots on goal each, and the center was 11 for 15 on faceoffs.

The Blackhawks may not be the Red Wings but they’re not the Tampa Bay Lightning either. They’re young and they’re good. They had 32 shots on goal to New York’s 29. Brian Campbell pulled a Gretzky by bouncing a pass off the side of the net to Patrick Kane, who put it home for Chicago’s first goal. The game was fast-paced and a little chippy. In the bag o’ knuckles department, Ryan Callahan and Paul Mara notched their first fights of the year. The Blueshirts continue to pressure, attack and forecheck their opponent. The difference in this game were the turnovers that the Dubinsky line turned into goals. And they’re driving to the net consistenly, even the defensemen. Wade Redden scored the first goal of the game streaking to the net, banging in a Chris Drury rebound. Redden was good at both ends of the ice.

There was nothing going on the power play (0 for 3), and are now two for 14 for the season. They better get better or that’s going to catch up to them. The penalty kill, on the other hand, remains perfect for the season (three for three last night, and 12 for 12 for the year). And they’re creating scoring chances shorthanded as well. Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves and was great again. Ho-hum. Fredrik Sjostrom replaced Peter Prucha in the lineup, and Nigel Dawes was last seen on the side of a milk carton. Will he be scratched tonight? But overall for the Blueshirts, so far, so good.