Rangers nipped by Bruins in opener

BRUINS 3
RANGERS 1

No team came into this shortened hockey season with higher expectations than the New York Rangers. Picked by many to win the Stanley Cup, the Rangers got off to a sluggish start in Boston, losing 3-1, and getting totally outplayed in the process.

New York was out-shot by Boston 34-21; lost their face-offs 35-23, and even worse, gave the puck away 10 times in defeat.

The Rangers were not crisp defensively, as goalie Henrik Lundqvist had to spend the night on his heels, as Boston attempted 25 shots on goal in the first two periods alone. Meanwhile, New York averaged only seven shots on goal per period, with Brad Richards proving to be the lone star of the game for New York. Big name free agent acquisition, Rick Nash had only two shots on goal the entire night.

Boston scored two goals in quick order. First Milan Lucic scored with six minutes remaining in the first period. Then, early in the second period, Daniel Pallie scored with an assist Greg Campbell to make it 2-0 Beantown.

Richards scored the only Rangers goal of the night with assists from Nash and Dan Girardi, but that would be all for the Blue-shirts. Johnny Boychuk's goal in the third period sealed the deal for Boston, as New York dropped to 0-1 on the season.

The Rangers brutal opening schedule continues Sunday when they host the Penguins at the Garden.