Rangers Recap: A historic beginning

The New York Rangers made their mark at the start of the 2024-2025 NHL season, dominating the Pittsburgh Penguins en route to a 6-0 victory. The Blueshirts opened the season with an even score as all four lines contributed a goal in 5-on-5 play and Chris Kreider sealed the win with a shorty, his second of the game. Igor Shesterkin stopped all 29 shots he faced, becoming the first Ranger goalie since Gump Worsley to get a shutout on opening night.

The Rangers also outscored the Penguins 41-29, scoring five goals at 5-on-5. None of the six goals came on the power play. This was a clinic from start to finish as the Rangers weathered the early storm and then crushed the Penguins. If anything, this was a statement that the Rangers are not a team to be overlooked.

What began as taunts and taunts for Igor in Pittsburgh turned into a remark that gave him the last laugh. Shesterkin didn't have to make too many difficult saves as he helped the team weather the storm early and then let the Rangers keep the puck away from him with very solid defense for most of the game. However, whenever Igor was called, he answered. Maybe Igor is the hero we need in his contract year.

Aside from Shesterkin, a lot of eyes were on the Chris Kreider-Mika Zibanejad-Reilly Smith line, and it worked. Kreider scored two goals – one shorthanded – while Smith added an assist and Zibanejad won 64% of his faceoffs while completely shutting out Sidney Crosby. Kreider is now 102 goals away from the Rangers' all-time scoring record and appears to be on track to surpass it over the next three seasons.

All in all, the Rangers played one of their most complete games in recent memory. All 4 lines scored goals, Jacob Trouba had 2 main assists (plus 4 shots and 5 blocks) and was the team's best player in terms of the game result. Alexis Lafrenière sent Marcus Petterson packing to make it 2-0, Victor Mancini made his NHL debut and didn't look out of place at all, Filip Chytil scored a beautiful goal for the first time in ages and Reilly Smith got his first point as a Ranger.

Also, don't forget the third line as a whole. The much-needed depth scoring line dominated the Penguins, outscoring them on the ice 12-3.

We still have a long way to go of course, but what an amazingly encouraging start to this season. More games like this and people will change their minds about the Rangers. Not only will they be powerplay dealers, they'll also give you a run for their money at 5v5.