The Rangers took a beating in their season opener, falling to the crosstown Islanders, 4-0 >> Box Score

Here's a few things to know from Thursday's game:

1. The Rangers got off to a rough start, allowing back-to-back goals in the first four minutes of play. The first came on a power-play goal from Brock Nelson that was assisted by Anthony Beauvillier and Nick Leddy.

A minute and 19 seconds later, Anders Lee scored a goal off a pass from Leddy to quickly put the Isles up 2-0 over the Blue Shirts.

2. Mathew Barzal, who signed a new three-year, $21 million deal with the Islanders last weekend, gave the visiting New York squad a collective hat trick in the first period with a goal off a Cal Clutterbuck pass.

The three goals in the first period were the most ever allowed by Igor Shesterkin in the first frame of a game and the second most in one period.

3. The Rangers thought they picked up their first goal of the season with 10:45 to play in the second period, when a shot from Brendan Lemieux was initially saved by Semyon Varlamov, then hit in the net by Jacob Trouba.

But the refs had blown the whistle on Varlamov's initial save and confirmed the call after reviewing the replay.

4. The Isles extended their lead in the second period, with Jordan Eberle getting credit for the goal, even though it looked like Lee deflected the puck for what would have been his second goal of the game. Lee and Noah Dobson were credited with assists. The goal came on another power play opportunity for the Islanders.

This would be the last goal of the game for either side, as the Rangers fell to the Islanders in their home opener, 4-0.

5. Mika Zibanejad led an offensive effort for the Rangers that just couldn't get much going. He finished with four shots, while five other Blue Shirts got two shots apiece.

The Islanders won the power play battle 8-3 and capitalized on two opportunities, turning them into goals. They also won the face-off battle 30-21.

Varlamov finished with 24 saves and no goals allowed, while Shesterkin had a busier night, saving 33 shots and allowing four goals.

Alexis Lafreniere took one shot and made two hits in his NHL debut. The No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft looks to be a key piece in the Rangers' future.

What's Next:

The Rangers will host the Islanders again on Saturday at MSG, with the first face-off set for 7 p.m.

Popular in the Community

More from sny