Kings-Rangers: Game 1 Preview

by Niesy on Oct 7, 2011 6:00 AM PDT in Game Previews

Game 1, Stockholm Sweden: 10 AM PST

Since we last met the New York Rangers...

IN: New York doesn’t make a splash in the free agent pool: they cannonball. July 1st megaloprize Brad Richards was not swayed by LA’s promotional video, though he said the production values were very high. His reunion with coach Tortorella gives the Rangers the #1 center they have long sought. Mike Rupp was signed to a 3 year deal away from the Penguins. Highly-rated defense prospect Tim Erixon was acquired from the Flames after some controversy; his dad, an ex-Ranger himself, might have had a leeetle bit to do with that. Jeff Woywitka was claimed from Montreal yesterday to shore up their defense.

OUT: Alexander Frolov, Vinny Prospal, Bryan McCabe, Matt Gilroy

WAIVED: Sean "Turtle-eyed fashionista" Avery; Brendan Bell; Stu Bickel; Dale Weise (claimed by Vancouver)

RETIRED: Chris Drury

IN MEMORIAM: Derek Boogaard

Rangers’ lineup at a recent practice:

Dubinsky - B. Richards - Gaborik
Fedotenko - Anisimov - Callahan
Wolski - Stepan - Zuccarello
Rupp - Boyle - Prust

McDonagh-Girardi
Del Zotto-Sauer
Erixon-Eminger

In net: Henrik Lundqvist

*Dubinsky and Fedotenko swapped places after spending the preseason on different lines.

*Top defenseman Marc Staal is on injured reserve (concussion headaches), wreaking havoc on the usual pairings. Sauer has been out with a shoulder sprain, but is expected to play. It is not known when Jeff Woywitka will join the team. Tim Erixon was recalled on Wednesday, and looks set to play in Stockholm.

*Further reading: Blueshirt Banter, Ranger Rants

Kings' probable lineup:

Gagne-Kopitar-Williams
Richardson-Richards-Brown
Parse-Stoll-Hunter
Clifford-Lewis-Moreau

Mitchell-Doughty
Johnson-Scuderi
Martinez-Greene

In net: Jonathan Quick

As for the Kings, there’s still a damn lot for them to work on: between the split-squad games and the long looks given to NHL-ready prospects like Voynov and Loktionov, the final power play units have not had much time to work together. Jarret Stoll is the new Handzus. The forward lines need to gel. Long-haired rich guy Drew Doughty is still getting up to speed. Penner has a mysterious lower body/possible man-Spanx-inflicted injury, which the Edmonton Journal is sure to investigate soon. At their "home" game in Stockholm, everyone will be rooting for Lundqvist. To top it all off, LA officially has the most grueling travel schedule in the NHL.

But who cares? There’s nothing left to do but lace up the skates and figure it all out.

Hockey is back! Woohoo!

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Comments

So excited to get this season started. But, I do have reservations about the Kings ability to start strong. A lot of new faces and will take some time to gel, particularly offensively. If they can stay above .500 the first 20 games of the season, i think they will be OK. They will really have to turn it on after that, because there just isnt much room for error in the West. VAN, SJ, DET, CHI, NSH, ANA are more likely than not in again. STL should be better and will make a run. CAL was hot the last part of the season. MIN moved laterally, but could challenge. CLB just cant seem to get it together. PHX lost some major pieces. EDM/COL will be bottom dwellers

by tornado12 on Oct 7, 2011 7:37 AM PDT reply actions

Yeah, a slow start wouldn’t surprise me at all, but .500ish and a solid December should be all right.

Dinglebarnin' It JftC

by Niesy on Oct 7, 2011 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions

I’m really excited to see Kopitar’s line against Anisimov’s

For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled.

by Nut on Oct 7, 2011 8:00 AM PDT reply actions

I miss having him on my fantasy team sometimes. I get weirdly parental about young players, like we have an actual relationship. Way to go kid!

Dinglebarnin' It JftC

by Niesy on Oct 7, 2011 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions

From Lovely Stockholm

What a way to start the new season. On a cruise with the in-laws! Just so happens it leaves Rome on the 10th. Plenty of time to see the boys in Stockhlom and Berlin. Just so happened that we stayed at the same hotel as the boys. Just saw them all about a half hour ago in their street clothes getting on the bus to head to the arena very focused and ready to go and a little shocked to see actual fans from L.A. here to see them. Go Kings Go!

by 2 Bleed Purple on Oct 7, 2011 8:26 AM PDT reply actions

Whoa, lucky lucky you! Sounds like you’re having a blast.

Dinglebarnin' It JftC

by Niesy on Oct 7, 2011 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions

I’m pissed the first game of the season is during the day on a weekday – so I’m going to miss it. Will hopefully be the only Kings game this season I don’t see as it happens. Hopefully they win today, and then come out strong tomorrow against Buffalo.

by Hoolie on Oct 7, 2011 8:41 AM PDT reply actions

I know, it’s all AEG’s fault, but I really hate this bastard schedule.

Also, I know the European trips are great for the game, but everyone wants to watch the home opener! Everyone!

Dinglebarnin' It JftC

by Niesy on Oct 7, 2011 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions

If they have to do European games, which I’m not wild about in the first place, would it kill them to have them play on Saturday and Sunday, instead of Friday and Saturday. So the people who actually support these teams all season could, you know, watch the damn games!

by Hoolie on Oct 7, 2011 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions