Two Original Six rivals clash to open up the 2015-16 NHL season when the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks host the Rangers.
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Chicago is coming off of a season where it won the Stanley Cup for the second time in three years and third time in the last six. New York, meanwhile, made it to the Eastern Conference Final for the third time in the past four seasons, and lost to the Lightning, dropping its first Game 7 at Madison Square Garden in franchise history.
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The Rangers and Blackhawks alternated 1-0 wins in their two meetings last season, with the road team winning on each occasion.
Game Preview
Matchup: Rangers (0-0-0) at Blackhawks (0-0-0)
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Venue: United Center, Chicago, Ill.
Radio: Rangers (98.7 ESPN); Blackhawks (WGN 720)
Betting Odds: Blackhawks (-1.5; -135) via Sportsbook.
This game is part of the NHL's Wednesday Night Rivalry and can be live streamed for free here.
Key Storylines
--The Blackhawks will raise their Stanley Cup banner to the rafters prior to the game after defeating the Lightning in six games in June.
--After getting to the brink of their second Stanley Cup Final appearance in as many years, the Rangers didn't make many changes. New faces up front include right wing Viktor Stalberg and center Jarret Stoll. The Blackhawks added center Artem Anisimov, left wing Artemy Panarin and defenseman Trevor Daley.
--Henrik Lundqvist will start in goal for the Rangers, marking his 10th straight Opening Night in the crease for the Blueshirts. Another new face, Antti Raanta will suit up as his backup after playing with the Blackhawks last season. Raanta, had some interesting things to say about Chicago this offseason. Corey Crawford will man the crease for the home club.
--Patrick Kane will be in the lineup and is expected to anchor the second line along with Anisimov and Panarin. Kane has been part of a sexual assault investigation, but hasn't been convicted of a crime and will continue playing while the situation pans out. New York's Stoll was also involved in some off-ice trouble. The two-time Stanley Cup champion was arrested for possession of cocaine and MDMA in Las Vegas in April.
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