Rangers fans are always anticipating the home opener, along with the fanfare and ceremonies that come with it. There is nothing that compares to a team’s home opener. Arguably, it is the schedule’s most anticipated regular season game (until a rival comes into town for the first time). The recent home opener history of the Blueshirts shows that tonight can go anywhere.
Many fans decked out in their team’s colours are excited, and the energy in the arena is palpable. Recent history shows that the Rangers have been riding what can only be described as a metaphoric teeter-totter regarding home openers. Between high-scoring affairs and overtime defeats, who knows what’s in store for tonight?
The Recent Home Opener History of the New York Rangers
Tonight, P.A. announcer Joe Tolleson will get on the microphone and announce the names of the players, coaches, and staff of the Rangers for this current season. Tonight, many fresh faces will get their first dose of that desire that can only be felt at Madison Square Garden.
The jungle comes alive again. ? pic.twitter.com/e9bq6ygVwz
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 16, 2023
For Peter Laviolette and his staff, he has to be somewhat impressed by the start of their season. The Rangers were in full control in Buffalo last Thursday after burying four goals past a promising Devon Levi. Then, a change of scenery occurred in Columbus on Saturday night. Numerous disallowed goals and a Boone Jenner hattrick saw Will Cuylle’s first NHL get overshadowed with a 5-3 defeat.
This week, the Rangers will have two home games, including tonight’s home opener against the Arizona Coyotes. As recent history shows us, many goals are expected to be divided amongst the two teams. Here’s a look at the recent home opener history of the Rangers from the last five years.
2018-19: 3-2 Loss vs the Nashville Predators
Tonight is Peter Laviolette’s first home opener as the head coach of the Rangers, but he is not a complete stranger to the festivities. Laviolette led the Nashville Predators to a 3-2 victory with their goals coming from Filip Forsberg, P.K. Subban, and an empty netter from Colton Sissons.
The mind-boggling fact here is that only four current Rangers were on the 2018-19 opening night roster in the likes of Filip Chytil, Chris Kreider, Jimmy Vesey, and Mika Zibanejad. Soon enough, the core would start to form but this is an alarming sight with this only being just five years ago.
2019-20: 6-4 Win vs the Winnipeg Jets
The sport of hockey is continuing to develop right before our eyes. A crucial part of the new identity is the increase in offence and goal-scoring. Rarely are we, the hockey fans, treated to a ten-goal thriller, but alas, we got one four years ago at Madison Square Garden. It was a barnburner that saw the Rangers defeat the Winnipeg Jets 6-4.
A three-point night from Mika Zibanejad earned him the first star, but it was Artemi Panarin scoring a powerplay goal on his home debut that many fans remember. Even future captain Jacob Trouba found the back of the net that night.
2018-19 was highlighted by an old foe in Laviolette, 2019-20 is no different. Scoring two goals for the Jets that night was current Ranger Blake Wheeler. Hey, maybe his magic can carry over four years later.
2020-21: 4-0 Loss vs the New York Islanders
On a rare occasion do the Rangers ever open up their home campaign against a rival. The “COVID season” saw some different rules and regulations come into play as the vicinity was a major factor in the schedule that year because of strict travel rules.
A dominant, 24-save performance from Semyon Varlamov was the kryptonite for the Rangers three years ago. Many fans were expecting Alexis Lafrenière to take the Garden by storm, but it was the complete opposite. The silver lining to this result was that the Rangers would defeat the New York Islanders 5-0 just two days later.
2021-22: 3-2 OT Loss vs the Dallas Stars
The core that we know and love is now slowly coming together by the ’21-’22 season. Igor Shesterkin has now officially taken the crease over from Henrik Lundqvist. Adam Fox leads the team with an awe-inspiring 25 minutes of ice time. What could possibly go wrong?
Despite goals from Fox and the ever-so-strong Chris Kreider, a Miro Heiskanen overtime winner saw the Dallas Stars escape New York City with the extra point. Although this was a team under former coach Gerard Gallant, this was an exciting team to watch. They were quick and strong both on and off the puck.
Not only would this squad eventually end up in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Rangers also won six of their next seven games after dropping this home opener to Dallas.
2022-23: 3-1 Win vs the Tampa Bay Lightning
A rematch of the most recent Eastern Conference Final was due for a primetime slot on ESPN. Although we did not get to hear the voices of Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti, we were, however, treated to a complete performance from the Blueshirts.
New York completely dominated the Tampa Bay Lightning, earning a 3-1 victory to start last season. Two goals from the best D.J. this side of the Mississippi in Zibanejad and a tally from the former Bolt Barclay Goodrow saw the Rangers start last season in full gear.
Fast forward just one year later and the Rangers are now set to play their third game of the current season. With a new coaching staff, a new athletic trainer, and a couple of new Blueshirts are anticipating their first taste of Madison Square Garden. With puck drop coming in just a few hours, the Rangers will welcome the Coyotes tonight. Yes, there will be a certain buzz in the air, that is just a given. The Garden Faithful should be excited for what’s to come. If the recent home openers can tell you one thing, we are due for an abundance of goals.
HOME OPENER GAME DAY. #NYR | @Chase pic.twitter.com/aWQS9h7TCl
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 16, 2023
Main photo by: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
