After two games of this abbreviated NHL season, the fanbase that has already leapt from the bridge is, who else, the New York Rangers!
A tentative, sloppy opening night loss in Boston was followed by yet another disturbing loss the next night at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
All the hype, all the expectations. Down the drain after two games. Two.
I didn't know the Stanley Cup was awarded after the home opener?
Folks, this Rangers team is too talented and is too well-coached to be playing this poorly for this long. And as I type this, the Rangers completed their first win of the night, 4-3 over Boston, thanks to a Marian Gaborik hat trick.
They may have looked lifeless the first two games, but what NHL hasn't looked sloppy?
Henrik Lundqvist still looks like the best goaltender in the NHL. His second period save on opening night will be on the highlight reels for years to come. As long as Hank is Hank, the Rangers should not worry.
Newcomer Taylor Pyatt has aptly filled in for Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, proving the grit and smarts both brought to the ice every game.
Oh, and the man they were traded for, Rick Nash? How good is he? He was the best player on the ice by far for the Rangers the first two games. His hands, vision, and speed on the ice for such a big man are remarkable. The Rangers are lucky to have him.
Captain Ryan Callahan has been sluggish so far, but you know for a fact he will step up. He is too prideful. He will be fine. Ditto Marc Staal.
The one player I am concerned about is Chris Krieder. After all the hype and expectations derived from a remarkable playoff performance last season, he has struggled mightily as he begins his first NHL regular season. He is already in coach John Tortorella's doghouse. He has had terrible defensive lapses, and has lacked the playmaking ability he displayed last season. Don't be surprised if he is sent to Connecticut soon.
It may only be a 48 game season, but it is nonetheless silly to panic over two games. If they are standing at the top of the Eastern Conference at the end of the regular season in first place, I guarantee you will not remember opening weekend.
Relax and enjoy our Blueshirts!
On a side note, congratulations NHL fans. You set records for attendance and ratings for opening weekend.
What does this mean? The owners and players both won the lockout. They now know they got away with it, because we flocked back like the sheep we are.
Get ready for the 2023 lockout!
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