The Rangers opened the 2024-25 season in fine fashion, shutting out Pittsburgh 6-0. All four lines and three defensive pairings contributed to the victory, as five different players and all four lines scored goals. Sam Carrick kicked off the scoring, Alexis Lafreniere tallied on what is becoming his signature move, the toe drag, Chris Kreider netted two, including one short handed, Filip Chytil bulged the net for the first time since the 2023 playoffs and Vincent Trocheck capped the output in his home town. Igor Shesterkin made 29 saves to notch the shutout, the 16th of his career. New York is off until their home opener Saturday against Utah.
A few thoughts:
1) Balanced attack: as noted above, all four offensive lines and three defensive pairings contributed to the victory. Only Jonny Brodzinski played less than 10 minutes, by eight seconds, and all six blueliners played at least 17:27. The 3-0 lead after one and 4-0 after two allowed coach Peter Laviolette to utilize the whole lineup evenly.
2) Bottom-six: stood out to me. The Chytil-Cuylle-Kakko line was dominant in the win. A first period goal by Cuylle was overturned when he was deemed a hair offside (still not sure that was true), but the trio got on the board in the second when Chytil scored on a pretty play, see below. I thought Kakko was really strong in all phases last night while Chytil didn’t not look to be concerned about contact, which is a good sign.
Edström-Carrick-Brodzinski displayed speed throughout the contest. Beyond the goal by Carrick, the trio were all over the place in the forecheck while being defensively responsible. I really liked what I saw from Edström last night, continuing what he showed in camp.
3) Jacob Trouba had an excellent game. Yes, Virginia, he actually can play hockey effectively. I said earlier this offseason that I thought Trouba was playing well until he got injured, then his game cratered after he returned. Now fully healthy, he and Braden Schneider look very good yesterday. If Trouba can play like this or reasonably close, the blue line will be a lot deeper. Especially if Victor Mancini can hold his own with Zac Jones until Ryan Lindgren returns.
Trouba post-game:
Trouba off a two-point season opener so he expects to lead Adam Fox for defensemen points right...?
4) Shesterkin was not overly tested, but when he needed to come up big, including a few times on Anthony Beauvillier, he was up to the task. Rightfully, he didn’t comment on the state of the negotiations, which was a wise approach. As long as he provides while between the pipes, the contract will be in the background, even though we all know it’s front and center and an item that will be a prevailing topic.
5) Congrats to Sam Rosen on being named yesterday the recipient of the 2024 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service in hockey in the United States. Well deserved.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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