Rangers do the “Lindy Shuffle” and defeat defending champs on opening night
Lindberg scores 1st NHL goal (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Oh what a debut for young Oscar Lindberg. At 1:43 of the opening period, Lindberg converted a gorgeous feed from J.T. Miller to halt the Blackhawks celebration from their never-ending banner raising ceremony. The rookie finished the night with that goal, +2, 3 shots, 1 blocked shot, 2 hits and a takeaway in 13:20 of ice. To cap it off, he was dominant in the face-off circle wining 6 of 9 draws.
[su_quote cite=”Blueshirts United” url=”https://www.blueshirtsunited.com/article/rangers-top-blackhawks-season-opener-3-2″]”It’s hard to describe, but it’s an unbelievable feeling and it’s a great way to start your first game,” stated Lindberg, who was a +2 with three shots on goal in 13:53 of ice time. “If you told me this a couple of weeks ago i wouldn’t have believed it. It’s fun, just a great night and win.”[/su_quote]
What also shouldn’t be lost in the “Lindy Shuffle” is the play of J.T. Miller who was likely the Rangers best forward last night. What looks like a “coming of age” season, he notched two helpers and dished out 3 hits. Miller looks like a power forward in the making, with great vision and hands to match.
Viktor Stalberg also had an impressive debut, notching an assist and Alain Vigneault was pleased with his 3rd line.
[su_quote cite=”Blueshirts United” url=”https://www.blueshirtsunited.com/article/rangers-top-blackhawks-season-opener-3-2″]”I liked their game,” Vigneault said of Lindberg, Miller and Stalberg. “They were hard on the puck, and when they didn’t have it they forechecked hard to get it back. When they did have it they made some good plays. For a first game together I thought they had a good night.”[/su_quote]
A good night is an understatement. The Rangers looked like a 4 line team last night. They were solid and impressive up and down the lineup. It may be only game one, but this edition of the Blueshirts could be even deeper than the 2014 team that went to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Rangers next game is this Friday night in Columbus for the start of a home and home with the Blue Jackets that will conclude on Saturday.
NYR 3 v. CHI 2 (10.7.15 NHL)
FullTilt Rangers Notes
- Henrik Lundqvist was on his game last night. You have to wonder if the never-ending banner raising ceremony lit an additional fire in his belly. He finished with a stat line of 32 saves and a .941 save percentage.
- Kevin Hayes was 5-0 on draws last night. Meanwhile Jarret Stoll was 1-6 and Dominic Moore was 3-6 for your Bizarro stat of the game.
- While there was a large focus on Lindberg’s line, The All-American line had a fine game with Stepan notching a goal, assisted by both Kreider and Hayes. The problem? Kreider has 6 shot attempts and 3 of them went horribly wide on glorious chances. He needs to bury those.
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