Rangers Impress In Season Opener

New York visited Buffalo in their season opener following a disappointing end to the 2022-23 season. With high expectations once again, the team was looking to get off to the right start against the hungry and young Sabres. With some new faces and new head coach, it was unexpected how the team would perform to start the fresh season. However, new coach Peter Laviolette definitely set the tone in his Rangers debut as the team finished with a 5-1 victory against a team they had close battles with in the previous season.

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Things we learned in the season opener:

• Shesterkin needs no warm up

- The star goaltender of course was already on top of his game in this first matchup. Though he didn't have to make a ton of saves, there were many good chances taken away from Buffalo because of the goaltender making his usual fast reflex saves. Shesterkin finished the game with only one goal allowed on a fantastic shot by Buffalo winger, JJ Peterka. Besides that, he finished with 24 saves and a .960 save percentage. This is a great sign for the team moving forward with hopes of the goaltender staying consistent.

• The defense looked much improved

- Along with Shesterkin playing well, it is also in thanks to the defense playing a well-rounded game. They were certainly playing harder than usual and making sure that their goaltender had an easier outing. They were continuously disrupting passing lanes and getting bodies in front of shots as the team finished with 23 blocked shots. Another positive to the defense was new defenseman, Erik Gustafsson, who proved he can be a key asset in this defensive rotation. Overall, a good outing from the improving defense with the captain, Jacob Trouba, proving as to why he is the leader of the defense and team.

• Special teams succeeded once again

- Something that the team is usually known for in being successful, once again proved to be an important part to winning. It all started with a goal on their very first power play after a deflection from Chris Kreider off an Adam Fox assist. Although the team went 0-3 the rest of the game, it certainly set the tone for the season with the new look power play. Along with this, it was seen that the second unit of the power play was getting more opportunities than they would last year as they came often after a minute into the power play. This can be something to look into as more options could come into play rather than the traditional power play the Rangers run. On the other side, the power play kill was excellent on the night as they stopped all three Buffalo attempts. This goes to be said with how well the defense was playing and the energy of the team as a whole. The cherry on the top was the short handed goal from Chris Kreider off an outsanding play from Mika Zibanejad to really put a dagger in the game.

• The team played harder and hungrier

- Energy. Wow, did this team ever need a fresh start to the season to bring out more energy following the disappointing playoff series against New Jersey. Not only was the defense flying around blocking shots and making hits, the offense was passing fluidly and holding the puck in the offensive zone for extended periods of time. The pressure put on by the offense certainly set the tone as Alexis Lafreniere scored 3:47 into the game. They also won the faceoff battle 38-22, which is an issue the team has been looking to address for some time now. They were forechecking and constantly putting pressure on the puck, it truly looked as if the team had a good look in the mirror. This type of energy is something the team needs to continue if they want to succeed later in the season.

• Usual suspects stepped up

- The stars showed up for the team. Trouba proved himself as the captain, and the team followed. Chris Kreider is already looking to have another fantastic season, Panarin is tallying up his points, and Zibanejad was threading the needle with his passing. Moving forward into the season, the big names will have to continue to step up and be able to take pressure off of Igor Shesterkin.

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Key Stats:

• Kreider - 2 Goals, 1 Assist

• Panarin - 1 Goal, 1 Assist

• Zibanejad - 3 Assists

• Trouba - 8 Blocked Shots

• Cuylle - 4 Hits

• Trocheck - 12 Faceoff Wins

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The Rangers look to continue their success when they travel to Columbus Saturday night.

Written by Anthony Ellis, 2023