The Rangers opened up their 85th year in style, showcasing a future star of the NHL, who in his debut had a hat trick, with a 6-3 win over the ever contending Stanley Cup also rans, the Buffalo Sabres. Derek Stepan, the twenty year old from Wisconsin, put on the best Ranger rookie performance since Donnie Murdock's five goal game. With a little luck he would have had five. He played on a line with Ruslan Fedotenko and the irrepressible Sean Avery, who had two assists.
After the game it was announced that Chris Drury will be back soon, either against the Islanders on Monday or the home opener against Toronto on Friday. What a surprise. Where will he play? Drury has played center and both wings in the past, so which of the top nine sits? Chances are we will learn that Stepan needs to get better defensively, so off he goes to Hartford to hone his skills. Or maybe Avery has a meltdown which will give coach disagreeable an excuse to bench him. For what? For a 32 point scorer last year who is making in excess of $7 mil.
But let's look at the positives. A rookie shined, Lundqvist made 33 saves and the Rangers opened the season with a convincing pasting of a perennial Stanley Cup contender. Shine up the Cup.
From Stan's twitter to God's ear.
Twitter / Stan Fischler:
Avery and Stepan will emerge as a surprisingly super duet.
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