Well, The Rangers Are Ready For Opening Night

Are you?

The Rangers made their final preseason roster moves today, sending Nigel Dawes, Artem Anisimov, and Al Montoya down while keeping Dubi and eight defensemen on the roster (including young Staal). I don't mind these moves at all because, lets face it, it is finally safe to say that if a prospect does well, we will see him on Broadway sooner or later. Dawes will be the first call up if a winger goes down, Anisimov a center and Monty if Hank gets hurt (god forbid). Blueshirt Bulletin broke down the moves pretty well, as they always do.

Blueshirt also pointed out that the Rangers updated their roster and the guys have their uniform numbers set for the season. I thought it would be fun to break down the four guys who have new numbers by who else has worn the jerseys they are about to don in Rangers history:

#5 - Dan Girardi - a pretty well worn number in Rangers history. Bill Cook wore it when he was captain and led the Rangers to their first two Cups. Boom Boom Geoffrion and Eddie Shack also both donned the digit. Granted Girardi isn't a scoring winger, he is a defenseman. Hopefully he will grow into as good a player as other notable Rangers blueliners Barry Beck and Carol Vadnais and not into a loser like Stephane Quintal or Peter Andersson. Most recently it was worn by Dale Purinton (who left for the Aves) and Matt Cullen (traded for cap room).

#17 - Brandon Dubinski - Not a lot of greats have worn 17 in Rangers history but that doesn't mean that it didn't have its stars in earlier eras - Dean Prentice and Eddie Johnstone both donned 17. However, it was also worn by bust Brian Lawton, sociopath Chris Simon (although he was closer to sane when we had him), a long-past-his-prime Jari Kurri, and cokehead Kevin Stevens. Petr Sykora was the last Ranger to wear it, and unfortunately we will have to face him eight times this year with the Penguins.

#18 - Marc Staal - 18 is traditionally not a defenseman's digit - only seven defenders in Rangers history had it and none of them were particularly good. But some great young Rangers wore it, particularly Tony Granato, Mike Ridley, Mike York and the great Walt Tkaczuk. Adam Hall had it last, taking it from Dominic Moore.

#24 - Ryan Callahan - Much to my surprise, no great Ranger wore 24. Swedish great Kent-Erik Andersson wore it for two seasons in the early 80s but he never got acclimated to NHL play. Red Berenson, the great University of Michigan coach, also had it. Nik Sundstrom was #24 while he was here ... and for those wondering, last I heard he is playing at home back in Sweden. Boozer, I mean, Bozo, I mean Sandis Ozolinsh last left the number at the bar on his way out of the franchise.

For all of the talk about the lawsuit MSG has against the league defending the Rangers website, they are fighting the good fight as www.newyorkrangers.com is really well done. It could use a little bit more work - like an in-game blogger *cough, cough, me, cough, cough* but it is a fantastic resource. I got the numbers history from there and you can go there to get profiles of any of the players I mentioned.

Let's Go Rangers! Is it Thursday yet?

 "Well, the Rangers Are Ready for Opening Night: A Season of Hope and Anticipation"

The anticipation, the excitement, and the roars of the crowd - it's that time of the year again when hockey fans unite for the most awaited event on the ice, the opening night of the NHL season. For fans of the New York Rangers, in particular, the start of the season carries a special significance. In this article, we'll explore the Rangers' preparations for opening night, take a look at their roster changes, and discuss the emotions and expectations that come with the dawn of a new NHL season. Additionally, we'll answer some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive overview of the Rangers' readiness for opening night.

Part I: A New Season, A New Hope

The Tradition of Opening Night

Opening night in the NHL is a cherished tradition where fans from all walks of life come together to celebrate the sport they love. It's a time when every team starts with a clean slate, and the possibilities are endless.

The Rangers' Legacy

The New York Rangers, one of the NHL's Original Six teams, have a storied history filled with legendary players, iconic moments, and a passionate fan base. Opening night at Madison Square Garden is a spectacle that embodies the spirit of New York City.

Part II: Roster Changes and Player Additions

Offseason Moves

Every offseason brings changes to NHL rosters, and the Rangers were no exception. General Manager Chris Drury and the Rangers' front office were busy making strategic moves to bolster the team's chances for the upcoming season.

Key Additions

Notable additions to the Rangers' roster include skilled forwards, solid defensemen, and promising young talent. Each player brings unique qualities that are expected to contribute to the team's success.

Part III: The Emotional Rollercoaster

Fan Excitement

Opening night is a time when fans let their excitement run wild. The feeling of putting on their Rangers jerseys, filling the arena with chants, and witnessing the drop of the puck is an experience like no other.

Player Nerves

For the players, opening night can be a mix of excitement and nerves. It's the moment they've trained for all summer, and the pressure to perform on this grand stage is immense.

Part IV: Expectations and Aspirations

Playoff Aspirations

The Rangers, like every NHL team, enter the season with the aspiration of making it to the playoffs. The road to the Stanley Cup is a long and grueling one, but the optimism of opening night fuels their determination.

Individual Goals

Players set personal goals for the season, whether it's reaching career milestones, improving their performance, or taking on leadership roles within the team. These individual goals contribute to the collective success.

Part V: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some frequently asked questions about the Rangers' readiness for opening night:

1. What are the key strengths of the Rangers' roster this season?

The Rangers' roster boasts a mix of skilled forwards, solid defensive options, and a promising goaltender. Their depth and versatility are considered key strengths.

2. Who are the standout players to watch for the Rangers this season?

Players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox are expected to be key contributors to the Rangers' success this season.

3. How do fans celebrate opening night for the Rangers?

Rangers fans celebrate opening night by attending games at Madison Square Garden, hosting viewing parties, wearing team apparel, and engaging in pre-game rituals to show their support.

4. What are the Rangers' recent achievements and milestones?

The Rangers have a rich history, including multiple Stanley Cup championships. In recent years, they've been building a young, talented core and are eager to make a deep playoff run.

5. What is the significance of Madison Square Garden for Rangers fans?

Madison Square Garden is often referred to as "The Mecca of Hockey" by Rangers fans. It's a historic arena that holds a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike.

As the Rangers prepare for opening night, the emotions are running high, the hopes are soaring, and the excitement is palpable. It's a time when the collective energy of fans and players converges to create unforgettable moments on the ice. Whether you're a die-hard Rangers fan or simply a lover of the game, opening night in the NHL is a celebration of the sport's enduring legacy and a reminder that, in the world of hockey, anything is possible. The Rangers are ready to lace up their skates, face their opponents, and chase their dreams, all under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.