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Rangers return from Prague to host Blackhawks

Oct 10, 2008 - 10:22 AM Chicago (0-0-0) at NY Rangers (2-0-0), 7:00 pm EDT

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Now that the New York Rangers have returned from their successful two-game stint as part of the NHL Premiere 2008 in Prague, Czech Republic, they face off against a team entering the season with high expectations.

In their home opener at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers host reigning Calder Trophy winner Patrick Kane, budding star Jonathan Toews and the new-look Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

The Blackhawks failed to earn their first playoff berth since 2001-02 but took major steps toward becoming an elite team in the crowded Western Conference last season.

Kane, the top pick in the 2007 draft, did not disappoint in his rookie campaign. The 19-year-old recorded 21 goals and 51 assists en route to edging Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom for the league's top rookie award.

Toews, the third overall pick in 2006, also established himself as a rising contributor by notching 24 goals and 30 assists despite missing 18 games with a sprained knee. The team honored the 20-year-old's progress by naming him captain in July.

Chicago also made a big splash in the offseason, spending for coveted free agents such as defenseman Brian Campbell and goaltender Cristobal Huet.

Campbell, who split time with the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks last season, collected a career-high 62 points - including 54 assists - before signing an eight-year, $56.8 million contract. Huet went 32-14-6 with a 2.09 goals-against average for Montreal and Washington.

The Frenchman was dealt to the Capitals midway through the season when the Canadiens decided to hand the starting job to youngster Carey Price. Huet should help boost the Blackhawks' defense, which was 20th in the league in goals allowed per game last season (2.82).

Although the Rangers escaped with four points in two contests against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Prague, they also are dealing with changes.

Newcomer Markus Naslund was brought in to help offset the loss of Jaromir Jagr, who departed to play with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia. Defenseman Wade Redden and right wing Nikolai Zherdev also were acquired to fill in for missing pieces that include Brendan Shanahan and agitator Sean Avery.

Scott Gomez shined in Prague, notching a goal and two assists, while Naslund and Redden each added a tally.

Henrik Lundqvist, who for the third straight season was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2007-08, made 38 saves and recorded both victories.