Rangers Kick Off New Season Friday Night

It will not be an easy first game as goalie Henrik Lundqvist will have to deal with Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin.

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Both players have had a history of coming through in important games, and played a major role in taking home the Stanley Cup to Pittsburgh last season.

The problem when you look at the Penguins is that they have so many ways to put the puck in the net, as their two star players have support from Jordan Staal, and Miroslav Satan.

H. Lundqvist loves to play in these types of games, and will look to recover from last year's loss in the opening round of the playoffs.

Henrik is one of the best goaltenders in the National Hockey League, and look for another big season out of him.

The opening game for these two teams should be exciting, as Pittsburgh will also have to be prepared on defense with Marc Andre Fleury in between the pipes.

This game will be a true test for what is going to come between the two teams, as the blueshirts come in with a new attitude under Head Coach John Tortorella.

J. Tortorella has a whole new year to show that he can turn the New York Rangers into an unstoppable offensive unit.

Marian Gaborik will look to be the player to lead in that aspect, after signing with New York this past off season.

New York Rangers Sean Avery will be a thorn in the side of Pittsburgh, as he has been for every opposing team in the NHL.

Expect S. Avery to have an impact in the opening game, and to get support from veteran Donald Brashear in the physical game.

Ryan Callahan decided to return to Manhattan to stay on as a blueshirt, and that move will turn out to pay dividends throughout the season.

R. Callahan comes to play every game, and continues to skate no matter what period he is in. He will hope to put up some stats, and show the league that he is not a fluke.

This game will come down to the Rangers defense containing the offensive dynamic group of Pittsburgh's superstars, starting with Marc Staal, and Michal Rozsival.

Marc Staal brother of Pittsburgh's Jordan Staal will look to shut his brother down, and use his body to force the shots to the side.

The best way to step up to this Penguin offense is to keep throwing the body, and to hustle every second of the game.

Friday should be the start of things to come, as both teams look to make their mark in the Eastern Conference.

The Penguins are the favorite to win, but from what I have seen in recent years anything is possible.

When you look at the talent of the New York Rangers it is only a matter of time before they break out as one of the best teams around.

If New York can win their first game it will be a huge confidence builder to start the year, as they will look to play some of the better teams early on.

Friday's game will start at 7:30 pm eastern time, and will be in Pittsburgh as New York begins on the road before they will play their home opener the following night.