Prague, Czech Republic (My Sportsbook) - Brandon Dubinsky's power-play marker late in the third period proved to be the game-winner, as the
New York Rangers kicked off the 2008-09 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over the new-look
Tampa Bay Lightning from the O2 Arena.
Markus Naslund also scored for the Rangers, who were ousted in the second round of the playoffs last season by eventual conference champion Pittsburgh in five games. Henrik Lundqvist, a Vezina Trophy nominee in each of his first three seasons in the league, stopped 20-of-21 shots to get the win.
Martin St. Louis lit the lamp for the Lightning, who made a bevy of moves in the offseason to alter a roster that finished dead last in the NHL in 2007-08. Mike Smith was strong between the pipes, making 39 saves in a losing effort.
The game marked the return to the bench for Lightning coach Barry Melrose, who coached his first game since he piloted the Kings in 1994-95. Melrose replaced John Tortorella, who was fired in June.
Steven Stamkos, the top pick in the 2008 draft, recorded two shots in 8:25 of ice time for Tampa Bay.
The Lightning tallied early in the third period to knot the game at one. Vincent Lecavalier held the puck at the blueline, then dished to a streaking St. Louis, who stickhandled around a Ranger defender before lifting a backhander over the shoulder of Lundqvist at the 3:57 mark.
Stamkos' tremendous speed led to a glorious scoring chance near the midway point of the period, but Lundqvist robbed the Ontario native with the glove, preserving the 1-1 tie.
Moments later, Gary Roberts was whistled for high-sticking, and New York converted on the man-advantage as Dubinsky's quick shot found the back of the net with 5:44 to go in regulation.
Tampa Bay failed to score after Chris Drury, who was recently tabbed as the 25th captain in Rangers history, went off for hooking with 3:35 on the clock. In the waning moments of the contest, Smith made his way to the bench for an extra skater, but the Lightning failed to net the equalizer.
Smith made 14 saves in the first period, including a shorthanded offering from Drury. Lundqvist, meanwhile, stopped all eight shots he faced in the opening 20 minutes.
New York dominated the second stanza, outshooting the Bolts by a 16-3 margin, and Naslund, a free agent addition from Vancouver, opened the scoring with 1:52 remaining. The former Canucks captain darted down his off-wing, accepted a feed from the magnanimous Scott Gomez before unleashing a wrister from the middle of the right circle that beat Smith on the stickside.
Game Notes
The Lightning had won their five previous season-opening games...Lightning defensemen Vladimir Mihalik, chosen 30th overall in the 2005 draft, and Janne Niskala each made their NHL debut...Tampa Bay forward Ryan Malone played in his 300th career game...New York finished 1-for-7 on the power play, while Tampa Bay went 0-for-4...The Lightning were the designated home club in Saturday's tilt, while New York will be the home team in Sunday's matchup.
