Rangers Use Strong D to Blast Buffalo

The New York Rangers picked up right where they left off in the Spring, blasting the Buffalo Sabres 5-1 in the season opener, and like he has done throughout his career, Chris Krieder was right in the middle of the proceedings.

Krieder scored twice and added an assist on a three-point night to open the season for New York, as the Rangers commenced the Peter Laviolette era in grand fashion.

Krieder's first goal came on a power play midway through the first period, backing up an earlier goal by Alexis Lafreniere to stack Broadway to a 2-0 advantage.

Later, in the second period, Artemni Panarin tallied his first goal of the year on an unassisted shot to give the Rangers a 3-0 lead.

Still Laviolette was really impressed by the Rangers skating on the defensive front. They held Buffalo to 12 shots through two periods, and blocked four shots in the first 90 seconds of the third period.

“They put a lot into it and they worked really hard,” Laviolette said. “We called it before the game in saying to take it for a test drive. It’s one game. But there were positives to pull from that.”

Earning the victory was goalie Igor Shesterkin who recorded 24 saves in 25 chances. The victory was the 100th of Shesterkin's brilliant career.

The Rangers have a quick turnaround. They face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.