The New York Rangers opened the 2015-16 NHL season with a very impressive 3-2 victory over the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks.
By Robby Sabo
All Henrik Lundqvist needed was three goals from his offense. All three New York Rangers goals came in the first period as they spoiled the Chicago Blackhawks night of ceremony.
Raising the 2015 Stanley Cup Championship banner officially ended sour for Chicago with the 3-2 loss to New York.
Oscar Lindberg, Kevin Klein and Derek Stepan were the goal scorers for the Blueshirts.
#NYR beat the Blackhawks on Opening Night 3-2!!! pic.twitter.com/mf3U50xAHP
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 8, 2015
Speaking of Lindberg, his goal turned out to be the first in the league this season and his first career NHL goal. For his efforts he picked up the famed Broadway Hat.
#NYR Oscar Lindberg gets the Broadway Hat to go along with his first goal puck! pic.twitter.com/r60jbenztb
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 8, 2015
Congratulations to #NYR Oscar Lindberg on his first career goal! pic.twitter.com/pAuzhMWVjd
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 8, 2015
Here is a look at the Kevin Klein goal that gave #NYR a 2-1 lead! pic.twitter.com/5n5IVmjZzR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 8, 2015
Here is the @DerekStepan21 goal, assisted by @KevinPHayes12 and @ChrisKreider, that gave #NYR a 3-1 lead! pic.twitter.com/fTMb5ei6FC
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 8, 2015
J.T. Miller played an extraordinary game as he tallied two assists. The most notable came when Lindberg buried the puck in the back of the net.
Lundqvist was solid throughout. Only two very slick offensive one-timers (setup beautifully via pass) beat him. He made 32 saves on the night.
Chicago did come on strong in the third period and the Rangers had to hold on for dear life. There was even a sequence with 1:00 remaining in regulation when it appeared much-maligned star Patrick Kane put a rebound past Hank to tie the game.
The play was blown dead, however, as the official lost sight of the puck.
Jarret Stoll has already made his presence felt in the faceoff circle and on the defensive end of the ice, especially when the money is on the line. This is only a sneak peak for Rangers fans and what to expect moving forward.
Next up for New York will be the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday night at Madison Square Garden in their home opener.
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