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Game 1: NYR 6 WPG 4, Panarin/Trouba/Zibanejad shine in win

October 4, 2019, 11:41 AM ET [185 Comments]
Jan Levine
New York Rangers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Rangers won their season-opener 6-4 over the Jets. Despite some defensive lapses, New York had enough offense, rallying from a 4-3 deficit to pick up the victory. Jacob Trouba had three points against his former team, and Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist in the Blueshirts' debut for both. New York faces Ottawa on Saturday.

Game recap:


Rangers mantra for the year:



Winning:



Post-Game reactions:



I am heading up to Worcester, Clark University for parents weeked, so this will be short but I will try and augment later:

1) Super Trouba - that's one way to make a debut. Showed more offensive talent than we might have expected. Likely motivated to face his old team. The defensive pairing with Brady Skjei is a work in progress but you

2) Skjei - still struggling, Hopefully it's just acclimating to a new partner but not a great first game. But he has to bee better in his own zone type New York to have any real chance at success this season.

3) Panarin - what’s most impressive so far is that he plays all three zones. He doesn’t just hang out defensively looking to break out but is engaged. Panarin is willing to get his nose dirty and as we saw, had a heck of a shot.

4) Mika Zibanejad - jets on the breakaway. Created chances throughout the game. Blossoming into a top line center before our eyes. I know that has been a big debate on this site if he is a true #1 and you know my view.

5) Henrik Lundqvist - Shaky at times. A few goals he potentially could haves stopped. Came up big to stone Mark Scheifele with 7:30 or so to go and the scores tied at four. Made 43 saves in a game that was reminiscent of 1980s or pond hockey.

6) MSG - crowd was alive throughout the game. Sounded like the Garden Faithful from years ago. All the new additions helped that be the case.

7) Kappo Kakko - didn’t look out of place at all. Unable to break onto scoresheet but not due to effort. Hard not to like what we saw and should only get better as he settles in. Predicting he scores Saturday.

8) Brett Howden - only 4-of-14 in draws but won a big one late with help from Jesper Fast. Went to lunch pail area in front and put in rebound of Fast’s shot for game winning goal. Needs to be better. But at least, unlike Lias Andersson, he didn’t do a half gainer on a wire during introductions.

9) Marc Staal - odds on him scoring in general, let alone the first goal. Plus using his wheels to create the scoring chance. Was okay with Anthony DeAngelo but defense as a whole looked out of sync, which is also on the forwards. Too many open gaps, leading to quick breakouts and odd man rushes against. Must be fixed quickly.

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