Thursday, October 9, 2014

Scottrade Center in St. Louis

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On Thursday night, the Eastern Conference champion New York Rangers will open up their 2014-15 campaign against the St. Louis Blues. Last year, St. Louis beat the Rangers in both of their regular season games against each other.

The Rangers and their tough defense made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final last year before being beaten in five games by the Los Angeles Kings. Netminder Henrik Lundqvist won 33 games last season and finished with a .920 save percentage and a 2.36 GAA. Left wing Mats Zuccarello led the team in assists (40) and points (59) in 77 games played.

New York had to let Brad Richards go to free up future money, but they didn't do much to improve the team. Dan Boyle was a decent signing, but not one that will strike fear into opponents' hearts.

The Blues grew into one of the deepest teams in the league last year and finished with 111 points before being eliminated by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs. All-Star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo had another fantastic season for St. Louis by assisting on 43 goals and playing excellent defense.

The Blues didn't lose any key members of their team over the offseason, and they were able to get better by signing center Paul Stastny, among others. Stastny had 25 goals and 35 assists in 71 games for the Colorado Avalanche last season.

Injuries to Watch

NY Rangers

09/26/14 C Derek Stepan Fibula expected to miss 4-6 weeks

St. Louis Blues

10/06/14 D Carl Gunnarsson Hip out indefinitely

Josh's Pick: Take New York

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