Photo: NJ Star Ledger
Hockey season is here after a short summer break, and the Rangers are in St. Louis to take on the Blues in what’s going to be a tough season opener. The Blues are very good, with a strong defense and much more balanced scoring since the acquisition of Paul Stastny. Goaltending is a question though, as Brian Elliott isn’t the best goalie in the world, and Jake Allen is unproven. Of course, the Rangers are starting the season without Derek Stepan and with a few questions of their own.
On the ice, Ken Hitchcock has the Blues running an aggressive 2-1-2 overload forecheck, but tend to switch to a 1-2-2 with a lead late in the period, though the way the Rangers are playing there’s probably no point on sitting back. They are fairly aggressive when it comes to defensive zone schemes, playing an overload style and collapsing down when the puck is down low. Their power play strategy is a 1-3-1, and their penalty kill formation is a hybrid.
Rangers lineup:
Carl Hagelin-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello
Chris Kreider-Martin St. Louis-Rick Nash
Anthony Duclair-J.T. Miller-Lee Stempniak
Tanner Glass-Dominic Moore-Jesper Fast
Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Marc Staal-Dan Boyle
John Moore-Kevin Klein
Henrik Lundqvist gets the start
Scratches/Injuries: Derek Stepan (leg), Ryan Malone (healthy), Kevin Hayes (healthy), Matt Hunwick (healthy).
As always, be sure to check out our ticket link if you’re looking for tickets to a game.
Game time is 8pm on MSG.
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