Players of New York Ranger's celebrate the winning goal during the opening match of the National Hockey League's 2008-09 season against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Prague. The New York Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 after a slow start in the National Hockey League season opener here on Saturday.
(AFP/Joe Klamar)

When Brandon was hit with a stick to the face he was clearly pissed. His revenge? A Power play goal......now that's how it's done. I have mentioned this before but it's worth repeating. Dubi is a future NHL captain in my opinion. Your final was 2-1 for the good guys.

A few thoughts.

In our podcasts, the Rodent has mentioned more than once that expectations should not be too high for this Ranger squad during the first third (my time table) of this season. His reason is simple. This team will need time to gel. I concur after watching some pre-season and todays first regular season tilt. The guys didn't seem to click correctly more often than not. It wasn't an effort or talent thing....it was a timing thing. Look, the Rodent opened my eyes to this, I'm just agreeing.

With that in mind let me suggest a different way to watch the first few games. Don't get so hung up on results overall. Look for the glimpses of of what the future might bring. For instance, I expect that this power play will be successful this year. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to see NY Ranger players in front of the net. I was giddy that there was movement of players with and without the puck. And, there were shots from the point. These things will click as the guys play deeper into the season.....and I expect it to improve a lot.

There are also some give-a-way issues that I'd like to see reduced. You can't expect Henke to save our asses every single night. Oh....he sure as hell saved our asses today. His efforts were nothing short of top notch. That's very encouraging for sure. Yet I'm a little concerned about turnovers.

Check out the Rodent and the dudes and dudettes over at Rangerland for more stuff.

Down here in South Florida, the sky has ripped open and the rain is pouring through a gaping wound, pelting the women and children.......pelting the women and children. And we run.....into the arms...... of a celebrating Ranger fan.

It'll be tough to knock the smile off my face tonight. An opening night BEER ME to all!

----}- Bird

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