As we all know the Rangers start off in Europe. They are going to have to somehow play 4 exhibition games in 4 different countries in 5 days, something I'm not to crazy about. The real season starts against the Kings and Ducks in Stockholm on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8. The Rangers then get a week off to rest before starting the season state-side on Oct. 15 at the Islanders. With the renovations going on at MSG, the Rangers return from their early west coast trip and play their first home game a full three weeks after the season starts against the Leafs. The Rangers longest road trip is the seven game road trip to start the season. They also have a 4 game 10 day road trip which starts Nov. 15 against the Islanders and ends Nov. 25 after a game against the Caps. The Rangers have 2 long home stands as well. The first begins early in the season on Oct. 27 against the Leafs and ends Nov. 6 against the Winnipeg Jets who visit MSG for the first time since Oct 11, 1995 in a 6-4 Rangers win. The second home stand is in March, a key part of the season likely to influence playoff seeding. The home stand starts March 11 against the Islanders and ends March 23 against the Sabres. That run will not be easy with games against quality teams such as Detroit, Pittsburgh and Carolina.
Regarding division opponents, the Rangers first game against the Islanders on Long Island is the previously mentioned game on Oct. 15 and they first visit MSG on Dec. 22. The Devils first game at MSG doesn't take place until Feb. 7 and the Rangers go to Newark for the first time on Dec. 20. The Rangers visit Philly for the first time on Jan. 2 for the Winter Classic. The Flyers come to MSG for the first time on Nov. 26. The Penguins come to New York on Nov. 29 and the Rangers put their undefeated record against the Pens in their new arena on the line for the first time on Jan. 6.
The Rangers visit the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins on Jan. 21 and visit the Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 18.
Other somewhat important games:
10/24 @Jets (first game in Winnipeg since 11/17/95)
12/13 vs. Stars (Brad Richards first game against former team)
Every stinkin' game in April: the Rangers have a very difficult finish vs. Bos, @Phi, @Pit, vs.Was
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