The New York Rangers could use a strong home start, plus 10 other observations

The New York Rangers are preparing for their home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning following a 3-0 season-opening loss to the Boston Bruins. New York aims to avoid a repeat of their 2025-26 campaign, in which they suffered an extended early-season goal drought at Madison Square Garden and finished with a disappointing 14-20-7 home record.

Key takeaways from the opener included head coach Mike Sullivan balancing forward ice time, the NHL debut of rookie defenseman Alberts Smits, and strong goaltending from Igor Shesterkin. In roster news, defenseman Vincent Iorio cleared waivers on Wednesday and was assigned to AHL Hartford, while newly acquired forward Joseph Veleno made his debut.