Rangers vs. Kings
THE STORY: Henrik Lundqvist will open the NHL season lavished with adulation from adoring fans who will likely be chanting his name at every opportunity. There's no doubt he would like to end the campaign the same way. The Swedish native leads the New York Rangers into the season opener Friday against the Los Angeles Kings in Stockholm. Lundqvist is coming off a career year with the Broadway Blueshirts, posting 11 shutouts to go along with a 2.23 goals-against average and 36 victories. His performance will go a long way in determining how the Rangers fare in their quest for their first Stanley Cup since 1994. The Kings added some serious firepower with the addition of Mike Richards from the Philadelphia Flyers - but the bigger move may have been the re-signing of restricted free agent Drew Doughty. His presence alone moves Los Angeles into title contention in the tough Western Conference.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, Versus, TSN
ABOUT THE RANGERS: The acquisition of center Brad Richards in the offseason was designed specifically to give the Rangers' offense a shot in the arm. It's hoped the talented playmaker will bring out the best in winger Marian Gaborik, who will look to bounce back from a dreadful performance last season. Also sure to help New York is the imminent departure of Sean Avery, who had become little more than an expensive distraction.
ABOUT THE KINGS: Richards will provide a two-way threat the Kings haven't had in a long time. Though the price was steep - LA gave up promising forwards Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds among others - it should be worth a few extra victories this season. Jonathan Quick broke out as one of the league's elite netminders last season - and with Jonathan Bernier on his heels, Quick won't have any time to coast.
OVERTIME:
1. Brad Richards finished with 49 assists last season - a whopping 19 more than any Rangers skater. Brandon Dubinsky led the club with 30 helpers.
2. New York prevailed 4-3 in a shootout in the only meeting between the teams last season. The Rangers have won three of the previous four meetings overall.
3. Mike Richards struggled against the division-rival Rangers last season while with the Flyers, recording just three points (two goals, one assist) in six games.