The New York Rangers started the 2024-25 season with a commanding 6-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Right from the puck drop, the Rangers established dominance, racing to a 3-0 lead within the first period and maintaining control throughout the game, delivering a strong message to kick off the season.
In the game recap, just over two minutes in, Sam Carrick and Jonny Brodzinski pressured Noel Acciari in the offensive zone. Brodzinski quickly passed to Jacob Trouba at the point, while Carrick deflected the puck into the net for his inaugural goal with the Rangers, marking the team’s first score of the season. Later in the period, Will Cuylle scored, but it was disallowed following an offside review by the Penguins. Towards the period’s end, Artemi Panarin intercepted a pass from Lars Eller, assisting Alexis Lafreniere, who executed a slick toe drag around Marcus Pettersson and scored, increasing the Rangers’ lead to 2-0. In the closing moments of the first, sustained pressure led to Chris Kreider scoring on a rebound after a shot from Trouba was stopped by Tristan Jarry, capping off an impressive first period for the Rangers.
Both teams had two power-play chances in the second frame, but neither managed to score. The period saw a lone goal midway through, when Filip Chytil and Cuylle entered the zone together; after a mishandled shot by Cuylle turned into a perfect pass, Chytil took advantage and scored, widening the Rangers’ lead to 4-0.
Ten minutes into the third period, Reilly Smith was penalized for hooking Sidney Crosby. During the resulting power play for the Penguins, miscommunication between Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson led to a loose puck, which Kreider seized upon. He skillfully maneuvered around Kris Letang and scored shorthanded through Jarry’s five-hole. Vincent Trocheck then sealed the game with a goal off a Lafreniere rebound, bringing the score to 6-0 as time wound down. The final seconds faded away, marking a dominant start for the Rangers and a shutout for Igor Shesterkin.
Key takeaways from the game include Trouba’s standout performance, with two assists and solid defense, despite taking a minor penalty that arguably prevented a goal. Chytil scored his first goal since the 2023 playoffs, proving vital as the third-line center the Rangers missed during last year’s playoffs. Every line contributed to at least one goal, with five of the Rangers’ six scores coming at even strength, a notable improvement from last season. Though the power play was not successful, it generated quality opportunities, and the penalty kill performed perfectly. The Panarin-Trocheck-Lafreniere line scored two goals but managed only 33% of expected goals, leaving room for improvement despite strong previous seasons.
Shesterkin excelled, saving all 31 shots he faced, prompting speculation about a potential lucrative contract extension given questions around his current deal expiring this season. Victor Mancini also made a solid debut in his first NHL game, demonstrating composure and even engaging physically with Crosby, which will earn him more opportunities. However, Mika Zibanejad’s performance was disappointing, as he fell back into previous habits, finishing without a single shot on goal. While it’s early for concern, Zibanejad needs to improve to justify his lengthy contract.
