For two periods, the Rangers weren’t up to the enviable task against a red hot visitor who came in having won five straight and eight of nine. Instead, thanks to a pair of dreadful Michal Rozsival blunders, they trailed 2-0 to a stingy Bruins club hell bent on making it six in a row even though it was their third game in four nights.

But then came the final 20 minutes in which despite a god awful power play which time and time again couldn’t take advantage of Boston’s lack of discipline, the Blueshirts kept coming in waves tiring out their opponent by scoring twice in the final 6:05 to tie for a late rally- completing the comeback thanks to Chris Drury and Henrik Lundqvist who each came up large lifting them to a 3-2 shootout victory at The Garden.

It was their second win in a row and snapped the Bruins’ five-gamer pushing the first place New York club to 13-5-2 good for 28 points- four better than the Penguins who continued their winning ways by scoring three unanswered in a 4-2 win over Buffalo.

“It shows a lot of character,” Ranger captain Drury said at his locker after beating Boston goalie Tim Thomas between the legs with a perfect wrist shot in the deciding fourth round of the skill competition. “We talked about it after the second period. One shot cuts it in half.”

Not surprisingly, the two top Eastern defensive Original Six clubs started conservatively with neither able to muster much offense in the first that saw Boston hold an 11-6 shots edge. There was a mini-scrap between Paul Mara and Chuck Kobasew but not much else going on.

In the second though, the Bruins took control and forced Lundqvist to come up with some big stops including a quick pad reaction just getting a piece of a Marc Savard high shot labeled following a no-look backhand pass by Milan Lucic. King Henrik also nearly bailed out awful teammate Rozsival, who got outmuscled by Lucic along the boards leading to a turnover. He stacked the pads to deny Phil Kessel point blank but just as the home crowd was cheering, the puck caromed out to Zdeno Chara who slapped one home through a screen to give the B’s a 1-0 lead at 8:44.

That same Chara was the first of three Bruins to go to the sin bin in less than a three-minute span giving the Rangers ample opportunities to get back in it. Instead, another awful turnover by Rozsival resulted in Boston increasing their lead when defenseman Dennis Wideman took a Savard feed and wristed one top shelf inside the right post for his fifth at 12:25 as boos rained down for the PP failure.

It was the sixth shorthanded goal the Rangers allowed with Rozsival victimized on at least half including his failure to settle a Brandon Dubinsky puck at the point turning it into utter chaos which led to the goal against. His teammates never recovered with Aaron Voros too late on the backcheck as Wideman went upstairs on Lundqvist who was out of position.

A couple of more minors by Boston including a bench minor for too many men on the ice handed the Rangers two 5-on-3 chances but they couldn’t beat Thomas who was strong down low denying Drury on the doorstep and Markus Naslund.

So instead of building momentum from their PP success in Newark, they were brutal going 0-for-6 driving the MSG crowd nuts.

One thing about this Ranger version is that they don’t give up when things aren’t working. Instead, they got off the deck coming harder and more determined in the third and got the payoff with two goals in the last 6:05 to tie it up.

The first message was sent by Renney, who couldn’t have been pleased with his power play sending out rookie Lauri Korpikoski, Nigel Dawes and Dan Fritsche for an extended shift along with Marc Staal, who rarely plays the point. Though they didn’t score, MSG analyst Dave Maloney who was working at ice level noted that the third line which combined for a goal and four assists in their win over New Jersey had good speed and chemistry.

Perhaps the coach noticed that his team needed something with no Scott Gomez (ankle) for a second straight game which was evident on their man-advantage. Renney, who usually shortens his bench for the third rewarded the hardworking trio by sending them out for a shift still trailing by a deuce. The end result was them getting the puck in deep, recovering it and then Korpikoski centering for an open Dawes, who beat Thomas snapping a 10-game goal drought and more importantly cutting the deficit in half with 6:05 left.

Finally, the Garden crowd had something to cheer about instead of saving their love for Rozsival and his continued struggles. With the B’s nursing a one-goal lead trying to hang on, the Rangers continued to be the aggressor with Renney tapping his new energy line for another shift with a Wade Redden sighting springing Korpikoski for another chance with his wrister from the top right circle going off Thomas’ glove into the netting earning more cheers.

That’s the type of effort fans who pay good prices want to see. That the spark was provided by this new line with Gomez out is a message in itself which needs to be heeded. They must stay intact even when he returns.

The job wasn’t done and when they had just pulled Lundqvist for an extra attacker, here came Brandon Dubinsky flying up the ice after taking a Paul Mara pass after the defenseman had just stepped on the ice with the club barely completing a legal line change. The sophomore center who’s been fairly quiet lately backed up two Bruins drawing them gaining the zone before dishing off to a cutting Naslund, who made no mistake beating Thomas with a quick wrister miraculously tying the game with 53 seconds remaining.

The play invoked memories of Nikolai Zherdev’s even later heroics on another Saturday night comeback home win when he skated up right wing beating Marc-Andre Fleury to tie the Pens game with 8.1 left before the team took it in a shootout by an identical 3-2 margin also rallying from two down.

“We haven’t gotten the starts we wanted in a few games, but we have been able to at least get one point in many of them and sometimes even two,” the Rangers’ latest hero indicated.

The Rangers continued to press nearly winning it in regulation and then early in overtime when Drury stole the puck and then looked to be setup with a vacant net by Ryan Callahan except that a strong Boston backcheck prevented it.

Both teams played to win in OT which was refreshing to see compared to the usual conservative approach playing for the skill competition. The B’s nearly won it late when Savard was setup but forced wide by Lundqvist hitting the right post pushing it to a shootout.

During the first three rounds, both netminders were strong with Thomas making the best save sprawling on top to cover Dawes’ five-hole attempt forcing a review which couldn’t determine where the puck was. It looked like he had it in between his pad on the goal line.

When the first three shooters couldn’t decide things, Renney sent out his captain Drury, who moved in fast before firing through Thomas’ waffle to put the Rangers ahead leaving it to Patrice Bergeron to try to extend it versus Lundqvist. He made a good move deking while tucking the puck between Lundqvist but the Ranger goalie got just enough of a pad to push it off the left post. Still, somehow the refs lost sight ruling it had went in forcing a video review to confirm the obvious.

“I wasn’t sure,” Lundqvist admitted. “At first I thought I had it underneath me the entire time and then I saw the review and I saw it hit the post. I was a little surprised.”

The puck never crossed the line insuring a Ranger comeback victory against one of the league’s better teams. One they should savor going forward.

THREE STARS:

3rd Star-Lauri Korpikoski, NYR (first NHL assist, 3 SOG, plus-one in 11:48)

2nd Star-Dennis Wideman, Bos (SHG, plus-one in 24:25)

1st Star-Markus Naslund, NYR (tying goal at 19:07, 4 SOG, plus-one in 21:53)

Notes: Every Ranger finished with at least one shot minus Rozsival, Dmitri Kalinin and Aaron Voros. … In two games since being reinserted by Renney, Dawes has a goal and two assists with a plus-three rating. In the two games since being put together, Dawes, Korpikoski and Fritsche have combined for two goals and six helpers with a combined plus-eight rating making the most of their opportunity. … They only took two minor penalties but the No.2 ranked Ranger PK was up to the task killing off both Boston power plays. … Dubinsky’s assist was just his second point of the month after tallying 11 points in October. … Savard registered two assists in defeat. … Renney gave plenty of ice-time to the Drury unit with the captain seeing more than 25 minutes while Callahan (23:02) and Naslund (21:53) each were out often. … Lundqvist finished with 23 saves for the win while counterpart Thomas turned aside 29 of 31. … Monday, the Rangers host sliding Senators who dropped a 3-2 decision at the Islanders last night.

On All Hallows Eve, maybe it was appropriate that the Rangers finally traded Hugh Jessiman sending the big forward to Nashville for “future considerations.” Trick or treat. Unfortunately for them, they probably wish this incredible folly was a cruel trick considering how rich with talent that 2003 Draft was.

It was five years ago that the organization committed one of its biggest blunders tabbing the Dartmouth product in the first round 12th overall before the likes of Dustin Brown (LA-13th), Brent Seabrook (Chi-14th), Zach Parise (NJ-17th), Ryan Getzlaf (Ana-19th), Brent Burns (Min-20th), Ryan Kesler (Van-23rd), Mike Richards (Phi-24th) and Corey Perry (Ana-28th).

Only one player from that remarkable first round which also included a top 11 of Marc-Andre Fleury, Eric Staal, Nathan Horton, Nikolai Zherdev, Thomas Vanek, Milan Michalek, Ryan Suter, Braydon Coburn, Dion Phaneuf, Andrei Kostitsyn and Jeff Carter has failed to play a game in the NHL.

That would be Jessiman, who’s toiled in the minors having never fully recovered from a high ankle sprain early in his career. He was a project who looked to finally be on the verge of the NHL following a breakthrough 2007-08 with Hartford that saw him produce 18 goals, 24 assists totaling 42 points with 154 penalty minutes in 71 games.

There was even talk he might get serious consideration for a roster spot but once Glen Sather began signing the likes of Patrick Rissmiller along with Sean Avery replacement Aaron Voros and then trading for Zherdev and Dan Fritsche while re-upping Fredrik Sjostrom, it became apparent that Jessiman had no realistic chance of making the cut.

At age 24, the New York native who grew up a Ranger fan had to realize his dream was dashed after making two brief cameos during a crowded preseason. Truthfully, in the few minutes he got, Jessiman wasn’t bad nearly scoring on a stuff try. But how could he have gotten so little time with even recent pick Dale Weise getting more of a glance?

The blame goes yet again on an organization which outside of drafting Marc Staal, has an awful recent first round track record.

RANGERS FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS (Last 10 Years)

1999-Pavel Brendl (4th), Jamie Lundmark (9th)

2000-None

2001-Dan Blackburn (10th)

2002-None

2003-Hugh Jessiman (12th)

2004-Al Montoya (6th), Lauri Korpikoski (19th)

2005-Marc Staal (12th)

2006-Bobby Sanguinetti (21st)

*2007-Alexei Cherepanov (17th)

2008-Michael Del Zotto (20th)

*died

Looking over this list, it’s incredible to think of how awful the Rangers’ luck has been with even the highly rated Cherepanov dying tragically during a KHL game after collapsing next to Jaromir Jagr.

There also was Blackburn’s nerve damage which ended his career. The botch of epic proportions drafting Montoya probably due to Slats’ penchant for Cuban cigars. The past few drafts look to be better with Del Zotto impressing during camp and much expected from Sanguinetti. We’ve also gotten a taste of Korpikoski, who seems to possess some skill but became the odd man out on a crowded roster. So, they sent him down to Hartford to get valuable playing time.

The good news is that at least it looks more promising. But just imagine what a Cherepanov could’ve done for a roster deep on centers but thin on scoring ability? A line with him, Gomez and Zherdev might’ve been electric to watch. Now, we’ll never really know how good the Russian could’ve been.

If there’s a flaw in the current team, it’s that lack of finish which could prove detrimental next Spring assuming the club which has matched its best start in franchise history qualified for a fourth consecutive postseason.

There’s plenty of work to be done in the mean time starting with the lowly Thrashers who come in off a 7-0 home rout at the hands of the Flyers. Figure them to be sharper. It’s still a game the Blueshirts should win. We’ll see if they remember not to take their opponent lightly.

Could Stephen Valiquette get the nod in the final game of what’s been a great month? We’ll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, Jessiman becomes Nashville property and will probably never see the light of day though I wish him well. He was mistreated by the organization this Fall after his best pro season. It very much reminded me of how they mishandled Manny Malhotra and Lundmark screwing them over. The only huge difference is that this is a playoff team looking to contend and was much deeper across the board.

I have always believed the Rangers don’t do a good job developing players. Though former second round steal Brandon Dubinsky along with late grabs Ryan Callahan and Nigel Dawes are doing their best to change that reputation. There’s also King Henrik in net. Possibly the biggest theft of all-time. Who could’ve known? Petr Prucha still is here but for how long? He’s not in the lineup tonight as Tom Renney has again switched things up.

Here’s the lines:

Naslund-Gomez-Drury

Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev

Dawes-Fritsche-Callahan

Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

Didn’t Renney try the first combo before with no success at all? What gives? If I were constructing the lines, it’d go something like this:

Naslund-Gomez-Zherdev

Dawes-Drury-Callahan

Voros-Dubinsky-Prucha/Fritsche

Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

Dawes and Callahan worked well with Drury last year doing damage against the Devils. They are smart two-way complementary wings comprising a nice checking line which can score. Sjostrom could also see time with Dubi. His skating is good enough and he’s scored double digits before. People forget he was a first round pick with Phoenix.

Sticking our best two finishers with our No.1 playmaking pivot makes too much sense. Perhaps the coach needs to try it. These lines would provide more balance moving foward.

Chris Drury was 0 for 11 despite the Rangers’ quick start. However, the Blueshirt team captain’s fate changed with one visit to Long Island for an ultimate rivalry game with the Islanders.

The veteran center scored twice snapping the worst start of his career leading the Rangers past the Islanders 4-2 at Nassau Coliseum Monday night. The win improved the Rangers to 9-2-1 with the 18 points matching the franchise’s best ever start- something only the 1978-79 and 1989-90 teams achieved.

Drury got help from center teammate Scott Gomez (goal, assist) and defenseman Michal Rozsival (2 assists) as the Rangers took the first of six meetings from their bitter rival.

Despite a lineup which excluded four defensemen along with injured starter Rick DiPietro, Scott Gordon’s Isles still fought hard battling to a 1-1 draw after 20 minutes. The game didn’t begin well with Drury catching a bit of a break for his first of the season. Following brilliant stops from backup Joey MacDonald including a denial on Nikolai Zherdev, the Ranger captain beat an Islander to a loose puck behind the net and banked it in off the Islander netminder for a 1-0 lead at 1:15.

The Isles though fought back creating numerous chances forcing Henrik Lundqvist to come up with some strong stops including a glove save of a Mark Streit one-timer during a power play labeled. Their aggressive attack also forced Zherdev into a blind giveaway with Trent Hunter missing upstairs.

MacDonald wasn’t without some good ones as well just getting to Gomez’ redirect try on a Blueshirt power play snuffing it out.

Despite outworking their more expensive Broadway foes, the Islanders looked like they wouldn’t be rewarded. But all that changed when rookie Kyle Okposo broke free of a check for his first tying it with 7.3 seconds left. The talented 20 year-old former 2006 first round pick was left open in front following a Drury win in which Richard Park beat Dan Girardi to a loose puck centering for Okposo, who buried it for his second in three career games against the Rangers.

The second saw the action pickup with both teams looking for the go-ahead tally forcing each goalie to stand on their collective heads as both MacDonald and Lundqvist took turns keeping it tied sending the frustration to a feverish pitch. MacDonald’s best stop came on a Brandon Dubinsky rebound when he got across kicking it out. Meanwhile, Lundqvist was called upon by his club to deny two pointblank Isles’ chances including a Jeff Tambellini rebound which he shut off.

Afterwards, a scrum finally broke out eventually resulting in Aaron Voros challenging Nate Thompson with the Isles’ energizer accepting. The two enforcers went toe to toe for a few minutes trading glancing blows resulting in a draw to cheers from a mixed bag of Ranger and Islander supporters.

The fight just might’ve given the Rangers a lift because it took only another 2:15 before Ryan Callahan put them ahead to stay. Off a vigorous forecheck, the right wing got a bounce when Paul Mara’s shot trickled off Hunter’s skate right to him allowing for an easy stuff in at 16:16 with MacDonald out of position expecting the original shot to get through. Gomez got the secondary helper.

The home club kept coming and tried to find a way to tie it in the final minute buzzing but their opponent wouldn’t break playing better defense taking the one-goal lead to the locker room.

Through 40 minutes, the only difference was on the scoreboard with each team having the exact amount of shots (25) in a high octane contest which has become the norm in this rivalry. However, it was the Rangers who appeared fresher despite their third game in four nights outscoring the Islanders 2-1 and outshooting them 14-5.

They got some key insurance from Gomez when he put in a rebound of a Rozsival shot from a sharp angle for his third at 6:52. The goal came off a faceoff win where the ex-Devil pivot was dominant winning a ridiculous 70 percent (19-of-27). Dmitri Kalinin worked the puck to Rozsival, who fired a low shot off MacDonald which caromed right to Gomez who deposited it for his third.

Trailing by a pair, the Isles got sloppy losing discipline when both Sean Bergenheim (really Bill Guerin) and Doug Weight were sent off for simultaneous high sticks with a double minor handed out to the wrong player. Bergenheim and Guerin were in the same vicinity.

In any event, it put the Isles in a tough hole two men short with less than eight minutes remaining. Awarded a five-on-three, the Rangers actually cashed it scoring their first two-man advantage goal of the season when Drury wired a slap shot inside the right post for his second of the night making it 4-1 with 7:26 to go.

Following a Rozsival wide shot, the defenseman followed up the play legally sealing off an Islander along the boards allowing Drury to take the puck and step in for his second which essentially ended the contest.

Mark Streit did tally shorthanded with 116 seconds left. The defenseman’s third came on a nice play executed by Weight and Park with a pass coming out to the trailer who just got enough to trickle it through Lundqvist closing the scoring.

Notes: The Isles announced prior to the game that Witt would miss at least three to four weeks with an undisclosed injury adding him to a growing list that includes Andy Sutton, Radek Martinek and Mike Sillinger. Freddy Meyer also sat out and is day-to-day with an abdominal strain. In his place, Brett Skinner debuted on the blueline getting only 13 shifts (6:45). … After just an assist in his first nine games, Drury’s got a three-game point streak (2-2-4). He finished with a game high eight shots. … With a helper, Markus Naslund extended his point streak to four straight (2-4-6). … With two assists in a losing effort, Park tripled his point total after entering with just one assist in seven contests. … Both New York teams get the next couple of days off with the Islanders visiting Philadelphia while the Rangers host Atlanta Thursday.

Renney Hits Milestone: Ranger coach Tom Renney reached a milestone winning his 142nd game behind the Ranger bench surpassing Roger Neilson (141 victories) for fourth all-time in club history. He trails Emile Francis (342), Lester Patrick (281) and Frank Boucher (179).

THREE STARS

3rd Star-Kyle Okposo, NYI (1st goal of season, 7 SOG, plus-one in 13:47)

2nd Star-Scott Gomez, NYR (goal, assist, 5 SOG, 19-8 draws in 25:52)

1st Star-Chris Drury, NYR (2 goals, 8 SOG in 21:53)

Quick Hits:

-Isles won the physical battle outhitting the Rangers 32-17 with an active Hunter pacing them with seven. Streit chipped in with half a dozen. The Ranger leader was Marc Staal, who finished with three.

-Isles also had a slight edge in the faceoff circle 36-35 despite Gomez dominating them. Rookie Frans Nielsen was their best finishing 10-for-18.

-Each team was guilty of double digit giveaways with the Isles having 11 with Sean Bergenheim losing three while the Blueshirts had 10 with a pair (Zherdev and Rozsival) losing a couple.

-Special Teams: NYR-1-for-8, NYI-0-for-4

-Lundqvist finished with 28 saves improving his record to 7-2-1 maintaining a 1.99 GAA and .927 save percentage ranking in the top six in all three categories.

-MacDonald was no slouch turning aside 35 of 39 to fall to 2-4-0.

-The game was called very tight with several marginal calls on both sides including a double minor on Guerin for roughing after sticking up for a teammate when Voros got a boarding minor. It should’ve been even.

They chanted his name at the Garden much the way they do for King Henrik. Ranger backup Stephen Valiquette heard plenty of “Val-ly, Val-ly, Val-ly” chants and why not. All he did was blank the Maple Leafs in his first home start of the season stopping all 21 shots to lead the Rangers to a 1-0 shootout triumph- their sixth win in seven.

With his team facing a tough second part of a back-to-back visiting the defending Cup champion Red Wings later tonight, Ranger coach Tom Renney opted to give his starting netminder the night off and play Vally, who has developed into a capable backup under the tutelage of goalie coach Benoit Allaire.

Coming off a flat performance against Buffalo, the Rangers played a more steady defensive game cleaning up all the miscues against a younger Toronto club who didn’t bite the first couple of stanzas where only 29 total shots reached each goalie with New York holding a 17-12 edge.

Both Vesa Toskala (32 saves) and Valiquette were good when called upon including a key sequence in the final 30 seconds where the Ranger fill-in shut the door when his team got a little sloppy. Despite an inspired shift, Niklas Hagman couldn’t convert keeping it scoreless.

If the first couple of periods were like a chess match, then the third sure wasn’t with the Blueshirts turning it up in search of that first goal by getting the first 10 shots on a busy Toskala, who had the help of a couple of posts on some close calls.

One such flurry saw the Rangers come at the Leafs in waves with first a Ryan Callahan deflection off a Scott Gomez shot clanging both posts going directly across the goal line without going over as replays concluded three minutes later. That’s cause they kept at it with Dan Girardi’s right point shot hitting the far post with under 10 minutes left.

With nothing happening, Valiquette had to remain focused and was up to the task when Toronto’s Jiri Tlusty got off a tricky shot testing him but the cool 31 year-old Toronto native kicked it out.

While he repelled all four sent his way, Toskala was denying 13 shots including a tough stop on a tricky Nigel Dawes shot. Neither goalie budged forcing the contest to OT. In fact, it was the first time since Dec.8, 1956 that the two Original Six clubs had battled to a 0-0 score through regulation.

Of course, these days there’s overtime and a shootout to decide such matters. It was the Leafs who had a great chance to win it when Michal Rozsival was sent off for a tacky holding minor. They worked the puck around on the 4-on-3 but never forced Valiquette to be spectacular with him able to see their shots and thwart them.

Valiquette also got defensive help from Dmitri Kalinin, who twice broke up passes across in front bouncing back from a shaky game against his former club.

Once they killed it off, the Rangers got their own late man-advantage but also couldn’t cash in forcing it to the skill competition. Kinda predictable considering how well both goalies played.

Through two rounds, Nikolai Zherdev (five-hole) and talented Maple Leafs rookie Nikolai Kulenin (double deke forehand) traded goals setting the stage for Renney wildcard Freddy Sjostrom who supposedly was good in practice. It also might’ve been a reward for how well he’s played. Whatever the reason, Renney was validated when the 25 year-old Swede moved in, deked and just slipped a forehand off Toskala and the post putting the Rangers ahead 2-1.

All that was left was for Valiquette to stop Jason Blake. The former Islander came in and aimed high but Valiquette got a piece of it with his stick pushing it off the outside of the post for his third career win over Toronto.

THREE STARS

3rd Star-Fredrik Sjostrom, NYR (deciding shootout goal, 2 hits, SOG in 13:21)

2nd Star-Stephen Valiquette, NYR (21 saves in first home start, 3rd career win vs Leafs)

1st Star-Vesa Toskala, Tor (32 saves including 23 in 2nd and 3rd)

Ranger Lines:

Dawes-Gomez-Callahan

Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev

Naslund-Drury-Fritsche

Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

Redden-Rozsival

Staal-Mara

Kalinin-Girardi

Scratches:

Lauri Korpikoski (injured)

Petr Prucha

Patrick Rismiller (injured)

Quick Hits:

-Special Teams were blah with both teams combining to go 0-for-12: Tor: 0-for-4, NYR:0-for-8

-The Leafs controlled faceoffs finishing 33-for-57 with ex-Ranger Dominic Moore going 10-7 and Matt Stajan 6-2. The Rangers’ best was Blair Betts, who was 8-8. Gomez had an off night losing 13 of 21.

-One of the reasons the Blueshirts couldn’t score was cause 44 of their attempts never made it on net with a preposterous 25 misses along with 19 more blocked by hustling Leafs. A word you never used to describe their previous teams. Ron Wilson has them playing more responsibly and it showed. Eighteen year-old rookie D Luke Schenn blocked five while Pavel Kubina got in the path of four. The Leafs had 22 attempts which never hit the net with 12 wide and another 10 blocked with Rozsival, Betts and a more active Chris Drury sharing the Ranger lead with two.

-Rangers outhit the Maple Leafs 42-32 paced by Aaron Voros’ six with Dawes and Paul Mara each chipping in four. The Leafs hit leader was the impressive rookie Schenn with five.

-Each club did alright in takeaways/giveaways with Toronto plus-five (7-2) where Mikhail Grabovski’s three led them. Drury paced the Rangers (14-9/plus-five) with four takeaways.

-Both returning forwards Dawes (2 SOG in 10:34) and Fritsche (4 SOG in 9:26) played well.

-The checking line of Sjostrom-Betts-Orr again played well doing the job on both ends. Orr’s skating has really improved and Betts earned his 14:20 with another superb effort.

-Callahan was definitely good in this one contributing three hits and his usual energy along with that near miss off both posts. He meshed very well with Dawes and Gomez.

-Drury was better in this game getting chances but missing a couple of deflections and rebounds wide. He was more active back at center and had good chemistry with Fritsche. Markus Naslund was again fairly quiet getting just two shots through. He just isn’t finding any space.

-Marc Staal got into a brief scrap with Leaf enforcer Jamal Mayers after laying a clean shoulder on one of Mayers’ teammates. It wasn’t much of a fight and he sure didn’t win.

-Both Rozsival (26:47, 2 SOG, 2 wide, 2 hits, 2 blocks) and Girardi (19:30, 3 SOG, 4 wide, 3 hits) had strong games.

-Most impressive Leaf outside of Toskala was the aforementioned Schenn, who didn’t look like an 18 year-old. The former 2008 first rounder got nearly 26 minutes skating very well while playing responsibly in his end with five blocks and five hits. Looks like Toronto has a keeper.

-Also thought Jonas Frogren (22:35) was good playing the body where he had three hits and two blocks with Kubina (4 blocks, 3 hits in 23:32) also having a solid game.

-Grabovski was pretty visible while Nik Antropov and Alexei Ponikarovsky weren’t.

-Former Ranger Ryan Hollweg sat out serving part of a three-game suspension.

-In other league action, the Sabres stayed perfect winning 5-2 over the Canucks. The sizzling Thomas Vanek had a goal and two assists and Ales Kotalik added a pair. Jaroslav Spacek netted a goal and assist. They’re now 4-0-0 outscoring opponents 17-5. Getting a chance to see them live, they were a lot more aggressive than the Devils and catching some of tonight’s game, they again were flying scoring twice on the power play. It looks like many including myself have underrated this team.

-The Sens doubled up the Coyotes 6-3 with Jason Spezza posting four points (2-2-4) and Jarkko Ruutu scoring twice. Daniel Alfredsson returned with a pair of assists. Olli Jokinen notched two helpers in a losing effort.

-It was Columbus over the Predators 5-3 with Rick Nash (2 goals) and Kristian Kuselius (2 A) combining for four points. Also in his NHL debut, 2008 sixth overall pick Nikita Filatov scored on his first and only shot in 9:10. Congrats to him!

-In the Battle of Alberta, the Oilers held off the Flames 4-3 at The Saddledome with Lubomir Visnovsky tallying a goal and assist and new Oiler Erik Cole scoring his first on the power play. Sheldon Souray added two assists. Todd Bertuzzi scored his fourth for Mike Keenan’s club which is off to a rocky 1-2-1 start. The rematch is later tonight with the Flames looking to prevent the Oilers from starting 4-0.

-The Ducks finally picked up their first victory blanking previously unbeaten San Jose 4-0. Francois Beauchemin, Travis Moen, Chris Pronger and Samuel Pahlsson each scored. Rob Niedermayer notched two helpers and Jean-Sebastien Giguere recorded 38 saves for his 30th career NHL shutout.

-And finally, the Kings rallied from a 3-1 deficit posting a 4-3 overtime home win over the Hurricanes with Michael Handzus netting the winner unassisted at 3:21. Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar each scored their first to tie it while Handzus notched the other pair making a winner of Jason LaBarbera (23 saves). Ex-Rangers Dan LaCouture and Matt Cullen tallied for the Canes.

All On Broadway before teams take ice.

When’s the last time you could say the Ranger power play was the difference in a win? Not the past couple of seasons with a man-advantage that might as well have been declined due to overpassing tendencies driving fans nuts. Though it wasn’t perfect in tonight’s 4-1 home victory over the archrival Devils due to a near full 5-on-3 where they took a page out of the old book refusing to shoot as if they didn’t know how to deal playing two men up.

Perhaps they just prefer the regular 5-on-4 where twice the same simple formula resulted in an Aaron Voros deflection power play goal with the former Devil draft pick doing his best to agitate Martin Brodeur. I can’t comment on whether the second tally early in the third should’ve been goalie interference as Hasan earlier contended because it was very hard to tell from our 411 seats even when replayed on the scoreboard.

I guess I’ll just not say anything yet cause I don’t really know. What I do realize is how valuable Voros’ addition has been to a mostly vanilla roster without Sean Avery. I was on board with the signing right away due to the size, grit and physicality the former Wild player would bring. However, I don’t think any Ranger fan in their wildest dreams had Voros getting off to this kind of start scoring three goals and setting up four already half off last season’s 14-point total (7-7-14).

The 27 year-old from British Columbia also picked up a primary helper on Brandon Dubinsky’s third on the gift Brodeur allowed off his glove to give the Blueshirts a good start. I think Hasan’s description of it was right on. So, nothing further.

If the Rangers grabbed control after Dubi’s tally getting the final eight shots of a period which they started poorly in, then the Devils finally woke up in the middle stanza immediately following the first of Voros’ markers by playing a desperate physical brand of hockey forechecking the heck out of the Rangers.

A word of friendly advice to Nikolai Zherdev on the only glorious chance his team had of making it 3-0. SHOOT THE PUCK! When you’re setup perfectly by Dubinsky on a two-on-one within 18 feet of Brodeur and possess the best shot on the team, you don’t pass the puck across going for the perfect play which wasn’t there. You use your laser-like wrister and test Marty’s glove even if it’s one of the best in the league. He is so much like Alexei Kovalev, it’s scary. He needs to simplify things a little before fans start getting on him.

From that point, it was all Devils just using a much more aggressive attack forcing Ranger turnovers and getting the puck in deep beating them to the punch. They kept coming in waves until finally the hard work of Zach Parise, Jay Pandolfo and John Madden paid off when Mad Dog chipped a backhand over Henrik Lundqvist following a series of saves in tight.

It was only a matter of time cause if you stop doing the things that got you the lead like the Rangers also disturbingly did in Philly, eventually a good opponent will take advantage and get back in it. New Jersey outshot them 12-4 and really could’ve been tied if not for some good saves from Lundqvist, who was sharp in making 26 stops with 21 coming the final 40 minutes.

The only drawback on the Devs’ second was the ridiculously mistimed interference minor Johnny Oduya took knocking down Voros with just three ticks left handing the Blueshirts a man-advantage and needed momentum when they had none.

Of course, Tom Renney sent out his No.1 unit to start the third when they’d done little the whole night. Chris Drury was invisible a second straight game. Only Scott Gomez competed. Markus Naslund was again a non-factor getting shots blocked or missing wide. No wonder he only saw 14:35. The coach finally came to his senses sending out the second unit with Dubinsky, Voros and Zherdev.

It didn’t take long for them to setup Voros’ second. Almost identical but created by the second-year Alaskan center outmuscling Madden in the corner for a puck working it back to Dan Girardi, who fed an open Paul Mara who didn’t waste any time firing with Voros in front who wound up with his second of the night restoring order.

The Devs didn’t quit continuing to work hard but Lundqvist was there when called upon. He didn’t have to stand on his head because the Rangers didn’t back up testing Brodeur as well. They competed better in the third.

Colin White’s high stick 12 seconds following Bryce Salvador’s delay of game killed any realistic chance their team had of coming back. While they did a stellar job killing off the two-man disadvantage, it took two minutes off the clock and allowed the Rangers at the least to take momentum back and continue forechecking.

Brent Sutter made a wise move pulling Brodeur with over two minutes left to at least give his team a five-on-four with both needless captains Drury and equally invisible Jamie Langenbrunner in the box for roughing. However, his club just couldn’t find a way to make things interesting against Lundqvist.

Ryan Callahan’s empty netter from who else but Dubinsky sealed it.

All in all, a good win for the Rangers, who improved to a perfect 5-0 with the Sabres coming in Wednesday. Another game I’ll be at. Buffalo won over the Isles 7-1 yesterday destroying them scoring all seven including a four-goal second against Joey MacDonald. When are the Isles gonna admit something’s wrong with Rick DiPietro? Nevermind.

As for the Devils, it was their first loss of the season. They played as expected with an aggressive trap early which saw them generate on the cycle. What can’t be explained was how the next part of the game changed after Dubinsky’s goal. Guess it deflated them. They definitely have improved forward depth with Holik playing his familiar bruising style on a crash and bang fourth line where he first made his name. He also is still dirty getting away with a few slashes but that’s expected.

I would’ve liked to see Voros and David Clarkson go but they only talked and decided to play instead. I always like seeing at least one scrap between these rivals. Oh well. Maybe next month at The Rock.

THREE STARS

3rd Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (26 saves)

2nd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (goal, 2 assists, 9-3 on draws in 13:37)

1st Star-Aaron Voros, NYR (2 PPG incl. GWG, assist, 4 PIM, 2 hits in 13:02)

NJ LINES

Elias-Rolston-Gionta

Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner

Pandolfo-Madden-Clarkson

Zubrus-Holik-Rupp

Martin-Salvador

White-Oduya

Mottau-Salmela

Healthy Scratches:

Andy Greene

Sheldon Brookbank

Petr Vrana

NYR Lines

Naslund-Gomez-Drury

Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev

Fritsche-Korpikoski-Callahan

Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

Redden-Rozsival

Staal-Mara

Kalinin-Girardi

Healthy Scratches:

Nigel Dawes

Petr Prucha

Patrick Rismiller

The Rangers warmup during pregame skate for Devils.

Video:

Moment of Silence for Alexei Cherepanov

Both teams take ice

Each team warms up during pre-game skate

The Rangers take the ice for warmups

Quick Hits:

-Before the national anthem, there was a moment of silence for Alexei Cherepanov.

-Special Teams: NJ: 0-for-3 PP, NYR: 2-for-4 PP

Note: The Rangers have now killed off all 21 penalties this season.

-Rangers were good in the faceoff circle going 28-for-48 with Dubinsky (9-3) and Drury (6-1) neutralizing the Devs’ best Madden (6-10).

-Unlike Saturday, there was plenty of physicality with each team finishing their checks. The Devils outhit the Rangers 43-37 with bruisers Salvador and White each leading the way with seven apiece. Madden and Rupp each had five with both playing strong games. For the Blueshirts, Redden and club enforcer Orr paced them with five each while Marc Staal chipped in with four.

-Another factor was shots that never made the net with the Devils missing the net 12 times and having another 19 blocked with Redden getting in the path of four while valuable penalty killer Blair Betts had three. The Rangers missed the net eight times and had 13 blocked with White and Salvador each finishing with three apiece. Overall, it was a 10 shot differential in the Rangers’ favor.

-Each team did well in takeaways with the Devs getting nine including three from Paul Martin while the Rangers had 13 with an active Gomez winding up with four.

-The Devs’ most effective players were Parise, Madden, Pandolfo, Holik, Zajac, Rupp, White, Salvador and Martin meaning that the Rangers were able to keep the top line of Elias-Rolston-Gionta in check holding them without a point and six combined shots.

-The Rangers’ best players were Dubinsky, Voros, Sjostrom, Callahan, Korpikoski (13:01), Redden, Staal, Mara along with Betts and Orr. The top line as I mentioned did little combining for just three shots with only Gomez coming close with a redirect off the post. He was the only one of the three to assert himself which explains why he got over 20:00. It might be time to break that line up.

-Sjostrom played so well in this one that he saw extended time with over 14:00 getting PK time and being thrown out more by Renney to provide a boost. His speed was tremendous. He really seems to have solidified his spot and might be worth a look on the third line.

-I also came away with impressed with the smart play of Betts and Orr, who again did a respectable job defensively while getting the puck in deep. Very nice work.

-I’m really not sure where the Devs should play Dainius Zubrus. I mean he can’t be on the fourth line and probably fits best with Madden and Pandolfo giving them more offense than Clarkson, who can bang everything in sight with Holik and Rupp.

-In other league action, the Blues cameback to defeat the Leafs 5-4 in a shootout rallying back from a 3-0 deficit thanks to a goal and assist each from Paul Kariya and rookie Patrik Berglund. Keep an eye on the 20 year-old Swede who St. Louis took late in the first round two years ago. He could be a sleeper. Nik Antropov had two assists for the Leafs, who lost due to another boneheaded boarding major from you guessed it Ryan Hollweg. Will he ever learn? Brad Boyes netted the shootout winner.

-As noted before, the Isles got roasted by the Sabres 7-1 with backup MacDonald in for all seven. Yikes. Thomas Vanek tallied twice and Jason Pominville and Ales Kotalik each had a goal and two assists as Buffalo improved to 2-0 with the Rangers next. Trent Hunter broke up Patrick Lalime’s shutout bid with former Ranger Thomas Pock assisting.

The Isles next game isn’t till Thursday at winless Tampa, whose D is so putrid they’re considering signing Marek Malik. Big Bird just might be an upgrade. That one could be interesting. Speaking of which, there was a big fracas in the second featuring a few scraps with four players ejected and eight misconducts. Woh. Wonder what happens when the Isles visit Buffalo? Can you say must watch?

-The defending champion Red Wings got goals from Nick Lidstrom, Tomas Holmstrom and Henrik Zetterberg in a 3-1 road win over the Hurricanes. Joe Corvo tallied for Carolina as backup Ty Conklin was solid making 27 saves to outperform Cam Ward (33 saves).

-The Canadiens fought back from a 2-1 deficit after two exploding for four third period goals including three straight in a 5-3 road win at Philly getting a little redemption for their second round ouster. Four Habs had two points with The Kostitsyns combining for a goal and three assists while Roman Hamrlik (goal, assist) and Andrei Markov (2 A) led a balanced attack which was too much for Mike Richards (goal, assist, minus-three) and Jeff Carter (goal, minus-two). There was a scrap between Guillaume Latendresse and Joffrey Lupul at the conclusion with the teams coming together. The Flyers fell to 0-2 and should be in a foul mood when they visit state rival Pittsburgh later tonight.

-In the mismatch of the night, the Capitals defeated a weary Canuck team 5-1. Alexander Semin tallied twice while ex-Ranger Michael Nylander finished with a goal and two helpers in a game Alexander Ovechkin didn’t have a point in despite a domination which saw Washington hold Vancouver to 10 shots making it a routine victory for backup Brent Johnson (nine saves). In a dominant second which they outscored Vancouver 3-0, they outshot them 15-1 on their way to a 35-10 edge. Gee wiz. Roberto Luongo was in for all five before being chased stopping 20 of 25 before Curtis Sanford relieved him.

So, why was this such a mismatch? How about because the Canucks played two intense games beating nemesis Calgary twice including a two-goal comeback to win in OT the other night in Western Alberta. How in the world did the schedule makers have them traveling across North America to the nation’s cap for a game two nights later? Makes zero sense. That’s why the result wasn’t surprising.

-Finally, the Predators continued to win getting the better of the Blackhawks 3-2 spoiling their home opener. Rich Peverley and J.P. Dumont tallied in the shootout. Shea Weber and Kevin Klein got the Preds’ goals in regulation while Martin Havlat showed up with a goal and a helper as did Patrick Sharp getting the Hawks their first point of the season. They’re off to a slow 0-2-1 start getting outscored 11-6.

They were up four in the first period stunning a packed Wachovia Center Flyer crowd. You just knew it would get interesting. That’s what happens when the Rangers and Flyers get together. We’re talking about one of the better rivalries in hockey.

Nothing tonight changed that as Stephen Valiquette’s clutch netminding allowed the Rangers to escape with a 4-3 road win making it a perfect four-for-four in 2008-09.

Early on, it looked like it would be a walk in the park for the Blueshirts, who dominated the Flyers before Sarah Palin getting all four of their goals in the first 16:13. Nikolai Zherdev got it started when a fluky bounce came right to him for an easy tap-in at 4:12. Aaron Voros and Dan Girardi netted assists.

The fourth line isn’t expected to do much scoring but they were an unlikely source combining for the next pair of goals. Less than a minute after Zherdev’s second in two nights, Blair Betts was setup in front by the Russian burying one past Martin Biron for his first goal since last Dec.29 versus Toronto. The valuable penalty killing center factored in on the next tally making a smart angled pass off the far left boards knowing speedy linemate Fredrik Sjostrom would beat Lasse Kukkonen to the puck.

Sjostrom then quickly retrieved it and wrapped one around a vacated net with Biron out of position for his first at 8:30. Believe it or not, Colton Orr also nabbed a secondary helper. Poetic justice considering how well that line played all night. This was one of their most impressive games.

Off balance and pressing in front of a booing Philly crowd (gee what a shock), the Flyers just couldn’t find their game in the first 20 minutes. When Daniel Briere foolishly didn’t stop running over Valiquette for an easy goalie interference minor, the Blueshirts made him pay when Michal Rozsival took a Scott Gomez feed and buried a one-timer past a screened Biron top shelf into the right portion of the net for a 4-0 lead.

It only took Flyer captain Mike Richards 10 seconds off the draw to challenge Brandon Dubinsky, who cameback strong fighting one of the most complete players in the game to a draw even getting a takedown. Not bad for a guy who last season got clocked a few times. Is there anything the 22 year-old Alaskan can’t do?

After outshooting Philly 14-9 in the first, the Rangers began to tire in the middle stanza. However, it was with a Flyer in the box where the game changed. Taking a faceoff in his zone, Dubinsky who was so good a night ago lost it cleanly to Glen Metropolit allowing Scott Hartnell to get off a wicked one-timer for a shorthanded goal cutting it to 4-1 at 3:13.

I wouldn’t say the Rangers sat back as they got a few glorious chances on backup Antero Niittymaki who relieved Biron after Rozsival’s tally. Let’s just say the Finn was superb robbing Chris Drury twice on point blank setups. His timely saves (13 overall) kept his team alive.

Building momentum, the Flyers got a key second marker with less than four minutes left in the period thanks to some help from Richards, who got away with a goalie interference. While on the attack, the Flyer captain nudged into Valiquette knocking him down which meant he had no chance to recover in time for Simon Gagne’s first which went off the post before caroming off the Ranger backup and in. Briere got the lone primary.

Obviously, Tom Renney wasn’t pleased signaling with his arms folded that the officials missed it. Replays clearly indicated so but what could you do?

With a weary team headed into the final 20, it was going to be quite a challenge to hold off the fresher team. When Richards skated past Zherdev getting into position for an easy tap-in of a Briere cross-ice feed at 5:39, suddenly it was a one-goal contest.

Prior to the Flyers’ third straight tally, Renney did try to calm down his team after they iced the puck. A wise move. But the home club kept coming and now were within a goal with still 14:21 to go.

It only became tougher when Dubinsky and Gomez got nabbed for minors 26 seconds apart handing the Flyers a golden opportunity with a two-man advantage for 1:34. Despite being up against it, the Ranger PK trios never broke making a couple of great defensive plays to keep Philadelphia from tying the game. In particular, Marc Staal on one unit and Rozsival on the other made excellent reads breaking up chances including a great one by the latter denying what essentially would’ve been a Briere tap-in.

The heady play of Drury and Betts on each unit was instrumental keeping their club perfect on the season killing penalties

Somehow, the Flyers only managed seven shots in a period they dominated with their aggressive forecheck. Still, the only reason they didn’t tie it was the play of Valiquette who at least three times robbed Flyers on one-time setups within 15 feet including one money stop on Joffrey Lupul. It was no surprise as he’s had a history of playing well in that venue which was why you figured he’d get the nod giving Henrik Lundqvist a couple of extra days to prepare for the Devils, who cameback to beat the Penguins 2-1 in overtime.

Valiquette had 25 saves with 16 coming in the final 40 minutes. He was tremendous and helped his team steal one on the road.

THREE STARS

3rd Star-Antero Niittymaki, Phi (13 saves in relief of Biron)

2nd Star-Betts/Sjostrom/Orr, NYR (2 goals, 2 assists, plus-five)

1st Star-Stephen Valiquette, NYR (25 saves for first win of season)

Ranger Lines:

Naslund-Gomez-Drury

Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev

Rismiller-Korpikoski-Callahan

Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

Redden-Rozsival

Staal-Mara

Kalinin-Girardi

Healthy Scratches:

Nigel Dawes

Petr Prucha

Dan Fritsche

Quick Hits:

-aside from not taking Richards on the third goal, Zherdev had a strong game netting two points.

-Girardi was solid in this one finishing with two assists in 18:03.

-Rangers rebounded winning 39 of 68 draws with Betts leading the way going 16-9.

-There wasn’t a lot of hitting with the teams combining for just 16 total (Rangers-5, Flyers-11). Figure that to change next time out.

-Richards played like a leader scoring, getting chances, fighting and doing what you’d expect to get his team back in it.

-Rangers did a good job keeping Jeff Carter (one SOG, minus-one) quiet.

-Biron allowed four goals on 14 shots before being chased.

-Steve Eminger played a solid game on the Flyer blueline blocking a game high five shots.

-Sjostrom has earned his spot using his speed and grit to make plays on both ends.

-Though Patrick Rismiller wasn’t bad in his Ranger debut playing on the third line, I would’ve preferred to see Dan Fritsche. He needs to be in for the Devil game.

-Outside of one shaky turnover leading to a penalty, Dmitri Kalinin was stronger on the puck doing a decent job. He still scares me.

-Rozsival had a very effective game scoring a PPG, getting three SOG and pacing the team with 23:37.

-Also thought Lauri Korpikoski was again good tho he got just 8:18 and was on for a goal against. Not his fault. But his skating is very good and he reads and reacts well. His wings must play better.

-Markus Naslund was pretty quiet with just one shot in 16:20 despite an assist. He can play better.

-Rangers are back at The Garden for the Devils Monday night.

Considering that my left index finger is jammed from something I did at the game in an electric MSG atmosphere, well at least the title kinda fits. I can’t really think of anything else except that the darn ice didn’t help much. Oh well.

Onto what was a successful Rangers home opener with a 4-2 win over the Original Six Blackhawks last night in which the newly acquired Aaron Voros had a big game notching his first goal as a Blueshirt and tallying an assist for a multi-point night playing alongside super soph Brandon Dubinsky and Russian lightning rod Nikolai Zherdev.

The newly formed trio combined for three goals and four assists in a well earned victory over a game Chicago squad which really has no more excuses for not qualifying for the postseason. With young talent like new captain Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Martin Havlat, Patrick Sharp and Dustin Byfuglien, this team is loaded up front and was dangerous when they attacked the Rangers.

The good news for Tom Renney’s club was that a jittery start which saw a few too many turnovers with speedy Hawks getting behind the D didn’t result in any goals against due to some shots fired wide and the clutch play of Henrik Lundqvist, who was busier than in the first two wins making 30 saves including some timely stops like one on Sharp in close denying him.

Despite the Hawks’ speed, it was the Rangers who drew first blood when the 25th captain in franchise history Chris Drury wisely floated a low shot at new Chicago No.1 goalie Cristobal Huet which he couldn’t control caroming out to Wade Redden, who blasted into the top portion of the net for his second in two games 6:47 into the contest. Markus Naslund also picked up an assist.

The goal didn’t deter Denis Savard’s young squad as they picked it up carrying the play by attacking the Rangers with an aggressive forecheck leading to some neutral zone turnovers. However, they couldn’t get one past Lundqvist until late in the period when Kane was left alone behind the net to find a Brian Campbell rebound tying the game at 17:18.

Playing a more up tempo style which even was against Renney’s liking due to it favoring Chicago, the Rangers managed alright getting the only two markers of the second. Both came off their own attack forcing the Hawks into bad decisions.

First, a couple of Chicago players had trouble playing a puck due in large part to the aggressive forecheck of Voros, Dubinsky and Zherdev with the trio taking it away before the second-year pivot handed off to the ex-Wild grinder who buried the chance from 15 feet for his first as a Ranger at 5:15.

Before Dubinsky tallied his second of the season 10:21 later on an outstanding solo effort showing strength before blasting one upstairs, the Hawks forechecked vigorously getting their chances including an excellent one for defenseman Duncan Keith, who couldn’t beat Lundqvist as King Henrik got his blocker up brushing it aside. The play of the fourth-year 26 year-old Swede was the difference. He was just a little better than Huet, who by no stretch was bad in turning aside 25 of 29.

Trailing by a pair, the Blackhawks came hard in the third and it paid off when they kept the Rangers pinned in allowing converted forward Byfuglien to dish off to a cutting Keith in the slot who made no mistake ripping one top shelf to slice it to 3-2 with 12:47 remaining. Sharp also registered an assist.

However, just when it seemed the younger club would make the climb all the way back, some more heady play from Dubinsky, Voros and Zherdev resulted in huge insurance when the trio combined in the neutral zone to setup Zherdev on a three-on-two with the exciting 23 year-old ex-Jacket making no mistake wristing one top shelf for his first in True Blue, making it 4-2 just 2:20 later. Where Mama hides the cookies to quote legendary Buffalo play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret.

Most impressive on the well executed play was the perfect cross-ice feed from Voros, who notched 16 points a season ago with Minnesota. I knew he was a hard worker and liked the addition right away because of his energy and forecheck ability. What I didn’t realize was his ability to read plays. A great pass from an underrated player who fans will really grow to appreciate.

No question this Voros came to play in front of a fun atmosphere debuting well much like the other Voros. He earned No.1 star with Dubinsky getting No.3 while rookie center Lauri Korpikoski earned second star logging 12:43 in his third NHL regular season game. Not bad for the hard working Finn who looks to have promise. He played alongside Nigel Dawes and Ryan Callahan with the speedy trio providing solid energy with a couple of near misses from Korp’s linemates.

If Renney wasn’t satisfied with the track meet his team prevailed in, he had to at least come away pleased with how his club protected a two-goal lead. Despite Chicago outshooting them 13-7 in the final 20 and 32-29 overall, the Blueshirts were sharper in the last 10-plus minutes following Zherdev’s goal keeping Hawks outside and limiting opportunities.

All in all, I’ll take it.

Three Stars

3rd Star-Fredrik Sjostrom, NYR (11:23 TOI, two hits)

2nd Star-Brandon Dubinsky, NYR (goal, two assists, plus-two, 5 hits, 4 SOG in 16:15, 11-4 on draws)

1st Star-Aaron Voros, NYR (goal, assist, plus-two, 4 SOG in 14:38)

Ranger Lines

Naslund-Gomez-Drury

Voros-Dubinsky-Zherdev

Dawes-Korpikoski-Callahan

Sjostrom-Betts-Orr

Redden-Rozsival

Staal-Mara

Kalinin-Girardi

The Rangers warm up for home opener

Both teams during pregame skate

Quick Hits:

-The Rangers are 3-0 to start a season for the first time since 1989-90.

-In his first game this season, Fredrik Sjostrom played well in 11:23 demonstrating good speed while playing fourth line, killing penalties and nearly had his first on a great effort with a forehand stuff try missing wide.

-There were a couple of scraps with Callahan getting the decision over Colin Fraser and Paul Mara showing some character in a win over Jack Skille earning cheers. A crowd will always appreciate when a defenseman drops’em though I’m not sure how wise it is when our roster only has six due to being overstocked up front.

-Marc Staal was very good getting the second most minutes on the blueline to Michal Rozsival (23:15) with 20:21 finishing plus one and winning the majority of the battles in his end. He looks very polished. I also feel Mara has played well with him. He really has worked hard.

-One shaky moment for the new Malik Dmitri Kalinin but otherwise the former Sabre was alright.

-Blair Betts played a decent game working diligently and even getting a shorthanded chance testing Huet’s glove with a slapper labeled.

-Drury was very active and really seems to have chemistry with Scott Gomez and Naslund. The question is will they remain intact?

-I thought Keith was good for the Hawks offensively but he was minus-two despite his goal. He did play big minutes (29:46) along with partner Campbell (29:06).

-The Hawks have a solid top four that are young and can all skate but the bottom couple Jordan Hendry and rookie Niklas Hjalmarsson hardly played combining for less than 10 minutes which puts a lot of pressure on the other four with James Wisniewski out indefinitely due to a torn ACL.

-While Toews, Kane, Sharp and Byfuglien all had good games, Havlat was awfully quiet with only one sharp angle shot which Lundqvist ate up. He’s in a contract year and really needs to stay healthy and play inspired if this team is to make the playoffs.

-Chicago held the edge in the circle going 32-23 in faceoffs.

-Each team went 0-for-3 on the power play.

-The Rangers are back at it tonight in the Flyers home opener with Sarah Palin dropping the ceremonial first puck. Scrooge trashed it. I’m iffy on how I feel about John McCain’s running mate being there but she’s a “hockey Mom”. Gee. Golly.

-Couple of surprises from last night with the Thrashers scoring seven on the combination of Jose Theodore and Brent Johnson for a 7-4 win over the Caps. Bryan Little notched two goals and an assist and Niclas Havelid had three helpers to offset a pair of Mike Green power play goals. Kari Lehtonen (39 saves) came up big thwarting Alexander Ovechkin on a penalty shot with the game tied in the third before Atlanta erupted for three in 2:10.

Also getting a win was Columbus despite blowing a 4-2 lead in the last 3:18 with Brad Richards and Trevor Daley scoring on consecutive shifts to help Dallas force OT. But Jackets’ captain Rick Nash stepped up for the deciding tally with 21 seconds left finishing off a three-on-two by wristing one past Marty Turco for a 5-4 road victory. Jason Chimera notched his second assist on the winner and ex-Ranger Christian Backman got a secondary helper finishing plus-two. Stephane Robidas chipped in three assists for the hosts in a tough loss.

There were two other ex-Rangers in this one with Sean Avery playing 16:54 registering no points and a slashing minor playing with Mike Modano. On the winner’s side, Fedor Tyutin donning his familiar No.51 logged 23:07 picking up two minors while finishing plus-one.

Other winners included:

-The Blues 5-2 over Nashville getting two goals from Keith Tkachuk and two assists from Paul Kariya.

-The Hurricanes defeated the Panthers in their home opener 6-4 getting goals from six different players including new defenseman Joni Pitkanen with Tim Gleason netting three helpers offsetting a goal and assist efforts from ex-Cane Cory Stillman and David Booth.

-The Sabres made it a successful home opener by a 2-1 count in the shootout over the Canadiens. New Hab Robert Lang tallied for the visitors and Thomas Vanek answered in the first with Teppo Numminen returning with a primary assist after missing 81 games last season due to heart surgery. Both netminders were solid with Carey Price finishing with 35 saves while Ryan Miller had 27. Ales Kotalik and Drew Stafford each tallied in the skill competition giving Buffalo the extra point.

The long wait is finally over. Later today, the new look Rangers minus former captain Jaromir Jagr take to the ice for a two-game series against the Lightning over in Prague. No matter what NHL brass says, it has to be bittersweet for them and especially Czech fans that No.68 won’t be in a Ranger sweater returning to his home land for the first ever NHL regular season games over in Europe.

While new team captain Chris Drury along with alternates Scott Gomez and Markus Naslund prepare to take the ice in Prague, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins will be meeting the Senators in a two-game series over in Stockholm, Sweden.

So, the Rangers and Bolts won’t be the only teams representing the NHL kicking off a much anticipated 2008-09 season a few days early.

The big questions surrounding Tom Renney’s club is how quickly key additions Naslund, Nikolai Zherdev and Wade Redden adjust to their new surroundings. Can they help pickup the tempo transitioning from a deliberate East/West game to a more fluid North American style contingent on seriously competing for a Stanley Cup?

We’ll have to patiently wait and see. For now, let’s take a glance at how the Blueshirts roster shapes up.

FORWARDS: Gone are Jagr, fellow Czech Martin Straka and veteran Brendan Shanahan, who remains in limbo hoping to play another season. It’s still possible he could wind up either here or elsewhere on a contender. Also out is key agitator Sean Avery (signed w/ Stars) along with antagonist Ryan Hollweg (traded to Leafs).

Can switching conferences spark Naslund’s game? How well will Russian enigma Zherdev play under Renney? The good news is his best season came under Ken Hitchcock. The bad is it was in Columbus where there was no real pressure. Expectations are much higher here.

Aaron Voros looks to be a good addition capable of providing energy and physicality but won’t finish as much as Avery. Dan Fritsche and Fredrik Sjostrom are speedy complementary fourth line wings who bring solid work ethic. Patrick Rissmiller is basically another Blair Betts who can kill penalties but now looks like overkill with former No.1 pick Lauri Korpikoski proving he’s ready. Colton Orr’s one of the best heavyweights in the league who Renney can now insert when necessary instead of playing him every night.

Figure Drury and Gomez to be better than their first seasons in New York where it took them time to get acclimated to Renney’s system. Shifting Drury to Gomez’ wing could pay dividends with sophomore Brandon Dubinsky continuing to impress to the point where he’ll start as the team’s second line center. If the lines get out slow, the Ranger coach can always move Drury back to center and shift Dubinsky to the third line.

Much depends on second-year wingers Ryan Callahan and Nigel Dawes, who both are being asked to score more goals. Callahan is a very smart two-way threat who is a good shorthanded player that works diligently on the forecheck taking the body. He looked good in preseason. The same can’t be said for Dawes, who made strides last season becoming a trusted regular in Renney’s rotation. He has excellent hands and is an underrated passer capable of transitioning from defense to offense. He’s scored at every level and his 14 goals in limited duty gave every indication he’s fully capable.

On such a crowded roster, where does Petr Prucha fit? The former 30-goal scorer has seen his production drop the past two campaigns from 22 to only seven in 2007-08. Part of it was due to a diminished role and less ice-time especially on power plays. It would be wise for Renney to allot the hard working 26 year-old Czech some time. He’s always been willing to pay a price which is why fans love him frequently chanting, “Pru-uuu-uuu.”

If Prucha gets a fair chance, he can still be an important player on a team which must fully emphasize scoring by committee.

DEFENSE: No longer around are Fedor Tyutin (traded to Jackets), Christian Backman (traded to Jackets), whipping boy Marek Malik (unsigned FA), popular extra Jason Strudwick (signed w/ Oilers) and Thomas Pock (claimed by Islanders).

So, no Malik means they automatically upgraded. Not necessarily. Much will depend on how well Wade Redden applies himself after such a huge contract rewarded to him by his biggest fan Glen Sather. The former Senator certainly is capable of logging the big minutes required possessing an excellent first pass, solid wheels and a good shot from the point which should bolster the power play.

But is the 31 year-old in decline after posting a second straight season under 40 points or can he get back to an All-Star level which saw him achieve career bests in assists (40), points (50) and plus/minus (35) in just 65 contests with Ottawa in 2005-06 helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final? Thus far, he’s emphasized team success to take pressure off which is admirable. However, you know the first mistake he makes that leads to a goal against will result in boos and questions as to whether he can handle New York.

After struggling much of exhibition with Dan Girardi, he was tried with Michal Rozsival, who also got a big contract from Sather. The good news is Redden performed better. The bad is that Rozsival looked shaky which can’t happen if the revamped blueline is to have success. Both will be asked to log big minutes and man the points on the man-advantage.

Figure more responsibility to be given to budding second-year defenseman Marc Staal, who really gained Renney’s trust last season and emerged into one of the club’s best defenders. The Rangers should have a lot of confidence in the 21 year-old former No.1 pick who never seems overmatched and could very well be the next great defenseman for the club.

Staal will work with the steady Girardi, who does many things well including taking the body and jumping up in the play where he can get off a shot that saw him score 10 goals last season after none his rookie year. The 24 year-old find is a clean player who doesn’t take many penalties (14 PIM) and moves the puck efficiently. If the young tandem meshes, they could just become Renney’s shutdown pair.

Meanwhile, 29 year-old Ridgewood, New Jersey native Paul Mara wanted to return taking less because he feels the team can win the Cup. He’s developed into a steady puckmoving D who doesn’t do too much to standout which is the kind of quality you want in a third pair D. He’ll be teamed with former Sabre Dmitri Kalinin, who could become the new Malik.

The 28 year-old Russian didn’t fare well in preseason looking shaky. He needs to keep it simple in his end or fans might start wondering why the team added him. Especially with both cheaper options Corey Potter and Brian Fahey, who were reassigned to Hartford having solid camps.

It’s also worth noting that Kalinin got into only 46 games last season following 2006-07, which saw him appear in a career high 82 with 29 points and a career best plus-19 rating. In two of the last three seasons, he’s missed 63 games.

For the time being, the Rangers will go with only six defensemen. The question is for how long?

GOALIES: The Rangers will only go as far as No.1 goalie Henrik Lundqvist takes them. The 26 year-old Swede was up and down in the first half last season but overcame that to appear in a career high 72 games posting a 37-24-10 record with career bests in GAA (2.23) and shutouts (10), pacing the league to get nominated for a third straight Vezina.

King Henrik clearly is the man in New York and must continue to own the net keeping his team in games when they aren’t finishing. It figures to take time before the offense clicks. So, it will fall on the popular Swede’s shoulders to help the team get out of the gate quicker than the past two seasons which saw them have to go on a tear just to qualify for the postseason.

The question is is he still feeling lingering effects from a collision with the Pens’ Evgeni Malkin? His knees have become an issue. If it’s serious, it could prove costly to the Rangers’ chances.

Stephen Valiquette is a solid veteran backup who’s extremely popular with teammates, staff and beat writers for his calm easy going demeanor. The 31 year-old Toronto native was excellent in relief of Lundqvist winning half of his 10 starts while posting a 2.19 GAA, .916 save percentage along with his first two career shutouts.

What more can you ask for from your second goalie? He was a little rusty in preseason but expect him to rise up to the challenge when called upon.

COACHING: Tom Renney is a very respectable classy coach who communicates well with his team and the media which makes him an extremely popular figure. When it looked like the team was in trouble last year along with his job, he pulled them together and guided the club to its third consecutive postseason appearance.

Avenging a first round sweep to the Devils was sweet but he and the club still failed against a very formidable Pens’ team in the second round losing there a second straight year. Now, he has a differently assembled team and must make it work or the rumblings will start.

There’s going to be more pressure on Renney to make it work. If things get tough early, he must remain grounded and use that same approach Yankee fans grew accustomed to with Joe Torre.

His staff of Perry Pearn, Mike Pelino and Benoit Allaire are solid at breaking down what’s wrong and helping the team prepare. Since Renney got to choose his own staff a couple of years ago, they always have worked well and seem to be on the same page which is a huge plus for a team that’s covered in New York.

They’re well equipped and good at adjusting when things aren’t working.

ANALYSIS: It’s very hard to gauge how well this team will perform. Though I’m not overly optimistic about the roster changes, I’m still a firm believer in what they have up front and in net. Quite frankly, the Rangers possess arguably the best centers from top to bottom in the league. As long as Dubinsky doesn’t suffer from a sophomore slump and Korpikoski continues to prove he belongs, it provides the Blueshirts with an advantage which they should have in many match-ups.

Much has been said about Zherdev and Naslund replacing Jagr and the loss of Avery. However, they can’t worry about who’s no longer around and must just play their games. The leadership of Drury and Gomez should help get them on the same page. Drury’s the one being overlooked and I just can’t see a team led by him missing the postseason.

Neither can I see them suffering with Lundqvist in net. Unless his knee problems are worse than expected, he’s the second best goalie in the league.

Even in a tough division, don’t bet against them.

PREDICTION: 3rd Atlantic, 6th East

Well the offseason is officially over, as is my break from writing. It’s been a long time, but I’m back and ready for the 2008-2009 campaign.

I have to admit though, I have some mixed emotions heading into the new season. On one hand, not having Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka will open up more options for the Rangers on offense, as fans will no longer be treated to a long game of east-west hockey. The shoot more mentality should open up more scoring chances, plus there will be more opportunity for players like Nigel Dawes, Ryan Callahan and Petr Prucha to shine. Newcomers Nikoli Zherdev, Markus Naslund, Patrick Rissmiller, Dan Fritsche and Aaron Voros will compete for spots on the opening day roster. Players like Lauri Korpikoski and Greg Moore should also get long looks this camp as well. And don’t fall over, but even everyone’s favorite number one draft pick Hugh Jessiman isn’t a lock to start the season for the Wolfpack, and with a good training camp, could find himself on the fourth line at the big level.

On defense, Marek Malik is out, finally, as is Fedor Tyutin and Christain Backman. Sent together for Fritsche and Zherdev, Tyutin and Backman will certainly be missed more than Malik, but all three departures should be sermountable for the Rangers’ defense. Paul Mara, Michal Rozsival, Dan Girardi and Marc Staal all return for the new year. Dmitri Kalinin and Wade Redden were added via free agency and should provide a little more speed on the blueline. If Redden can return to the time where he was not only shutdown on defense, but and extraordinary powerplay quarterback and offensive machine for the Ottawa Senators, the offseason will immediately be a success. If we get the Redden of late, injury prone, a step behind and posting less than stellar numbers on offense, then we didn’t solve anything.

Also in the loop, possibly, is Brendan Shanahan. The ever-spirited winger is practicing with the team and if he’s on the ice tomorrow, he’ll have some kind of agreement worked out with the Rangers. Whether it be a contract or the same deal as what the Blueshirts are doing with Petr Nedved and give him a tryout with the club out of respect, will be seen tomorrow.

One good thing coming out of this offseason is that we have official moved into the Scott Gomez and Chris Drury era on Broadway. Gomez looks as though he could start on the first line, with Drury on the second. Brandon Dubinsky was great with Jagr, but he is much better suited for third line duties right now.

So, before the first practice of the new season, here are my line predictions for Opening Day:

Zherdev - Gomez - Dawes

Naslund - Drury - Prucha

Shanahan - Dubinsky - Callahan

Rissmiller - Betts - Sjostrom

Bench: Voros, Orr, Fritsche

Defense:

Roszival - Girardi

Staal - Redden

Mara - Kalinin

Lundqvist and Valiquette

Notice how there are no extra defensemen, which bothers me a little. But Corey Potter and Michael Sauer will be call-ups if injury strikes or lackluster play occurs. Things will certainly be less interesting with Sean Avery and Ryan Hollweg gone, but Voros and Rissmiller should provide physical play. Korpikoski and Moore will likely be on the move back and forth from Hartford to New York should the same things happen on offense.

The roster’s different, the style of play will be different, so hopefully the result will be different. A solid playoff push would make New York fans extremely happy. I’ll check in during the week to keep everyone up to date on the latest news. Let’s hope it doesn’t include a Mats Sundin signing.