Rangers Hold Off Blackhawks' Late Rally, 3-2, On Banner Raising Night

The Chicago Blackhawks started the night by raising their 3rd Stanley Cup championship banner in the last six years.  The New York Rangers spoiled the celebration by defeating the defending Stanley Cup champions 3-2 at the United Center.

Oscar Lindberg, Kevin Klein, and Derek Stepan each scored 1st period goals to give the Rangers an early lead which they needed in order to hold off a third period press by the Blackhawks.  Artemi Panarin scored his first career NHL goal on a nice saucer pass from Patrick Kane to get the Hawks on the board as they trailed the Rangers 3-1 at the end of the first period.  Teuvo Teravainen played on the top line tonight and added a second period goal to bring the Blackhawks to within one at 3-2.  In the third period, the Blackhawks threw 14 shots on New York Ranger goalie, Henrik Lundqvist, but could not put one by him to get the equalizer.

Noteable mentions:  The line consisting of Panarin, Kane, and Artem Anisimov, was impressive.  Panarin and Kane played catch with one another on a number of occasions and will be a line to be reckoned with as the season progresses.  Anisimov seemed a bit slow, which is a worry based on if he was going to be able to keep up with the speed of the Western Conference.  Unfortunately David Rundblad's play matched his play from the previous two seasons.  It was not pretty.

Three stars of the game: 1st - NYR - Kevin Klein (1G, +2), 2nd - NYR - Oscar Lindberg (1G, +2), 3rd - CHI - Artemi Panarin (1G)

Next game: Friday, October 9th, at New York Islanders, 6:30pm CDT

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!