Henrik Lundqvist Leads Rangers into Season Opener

ShareThis By Jesse Spector



BUFFALO - As the Rangers open their season Saturday night, it's understandable that 20-year-old center Derek Stepan says he is "excited, nervous, all of it" for his NHL debut. But he is far from alone as far as emotions go.

"You're a little more tense, a little more nervous the first game," said Henrik Lundqvist, who begins his sixth season with a marquee goaltending duel against the Sabres' Ryan Miller. "It's been a while since you've played at this level."

Lundqvist enters the season at a high level, having won all three of his preseason starts. His 2.38 goals-against average last season ranked eighth in the NHL, but the Rangers missed the playoffs with a shootout loss in Philadelphia on the final day of the campaign. This time around, he should have more offensive support - the Rangers scored 26 goals in their six preseason games, bolstered by contributions from the newest Blueshirts.



Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/2010/10/09/2010-10-09_henrik_lundqvist_leads_rangers_into_nhl_season_opener_at_sabres_and_goalie_ryan_.html#ixzz11tDS0SZN