Perron beats Brodeur in this NHL.com picture.
Brad Richards scored twice and Rick Nash added a pair of assists as the New York Rangers knocked off the LA Kings 3-1 as part of a light night of on-ice action. Ryan McDonagh had the other goal for the Rangers while Jake Muzzin scored his first of the season for the Kings.
Henrik Lundqvist returned to form turning away 28-of-29 shots and improved on his season opening outing when he allowed four to the Coyotes in Phoenix. Johnathan Quick stopped 25-of-28 shots in the losing effort. He was handcuffed horribly on a dump in that led to the Rangers’ third goal.
Analysis: The Rangers open with nine straight road games while Madison Square Garden is getting renovations finished up. This looks like a team that will come together early in the season and be a factor in the playoff chase when their schedule evens out. The Kings have just six goals in three games so their offense is a little weak to start the season. This is pretty much the same team that went to the Western Conference Finals a year ago so there is a little concern. We’re not hitting the panic button but let’s hope the Kings can find the net more often.
In the other game, Edmonton bumped off New Jersey in a shootout 5-4. New Jersey went up 3-0 on goals from Damien Brunner, Jaromir Jagr and Michael Ryder. The Oilers responded with four of their own from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Andrew Ference, David Perron and Taylor Hall to take a 4-3 lead. Patrick Elias sent the game to overtime with a shorthanded goal that came with 54 seconds left in regulation.
Analysis: Brunner is off and flying with three goals already and the one in this game was a power play. Edmonton welcomed RNH to the lineup for the first time this season and he paid an immediate dividend. It’s nice to see older guys like Jagr and Elias still contributng in the twilight of their careers. Jason LaBarbera outdueled Martin Brodeur in a battle of backup goaltenders.
Tuesday’s Games (all times ET)
Phoenix at NY Islanders 7pm
Colorado at Toronto 7pm
Florida at Philadelphia 7pm
Carolina at Pittsburgh 7pm
Tampa Bay at Buffalo 730pm
Minnesota at Nashville 8pm
New Jersey at Vancouver 10pm
NY Rangers at San Jose 1030pm
