New Blue (P)Review - Game #2 - Another shade of Blue

The Rangers take their unblemished record from St. Louis to Columbus tonight for a tilt against the Blue Jackets.  Puck drop is 7:00 PM EST.

The Rangers come in with a record of 1-0-0 (2 points),  Columbus enters the game sporting the same record.  These teams met 4 times last year, with each team recording 2 victories.

Looking at the rosters, the crossover is bigger here than anywhere else.  Columbus features four former Rangers on their roster (Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Fedor Tyutin and Tim Erixon)  The Rangers have three former Blue Jackets currently (Rick Nash, Derick Brassard and John Moore).

BLUE JACKETS WORTH WATCHING:
Of course, I'm always interested in how the former Blueshirts do, but Dubinsky is on IR for 4-6 weeks, and Erixon is a scratch more often than not, so that leaves Anisimov, who has developed his game since the trade.  He is a big body with good hands and old #42 can give the Rangers fits.  Tyutin has been a mainstay in Columbus for a while now, but adds an element of offense to the team.  The player to watch is the emerging superstar Ryan Johansen.  Having just signed his contract, he's looking to get into game shape, but with unbelievable natural talent, he may still be a factor.  Old Ranger nemesis Scott Hartnell is now a Blue Jacket, so look for #43 to stir things up as he always does.  Just don't look for the Sideshow Bob hairstyle - he cut it off.

RANGERS WORTH WATCHING:
Rick Nash has 2 goals so far, and is playing in Columbus, which gave him a jolt, and quite possibly caused him to play his best game of the season last year, even dropping the mitts with Matt Calvert.

Cam Talbot makes his season debut in net.  The "Goalbuster" looks to build on his very good rookie season, saving Henrik Lundqvist for tomorrow night's Home Opener against Toronto.

I'm also looking for Derick Brassard to step up his play against his former team.  Paired on a line with Mats Zuccarello and Carl Hagelin, "Brass" has to hit the net with his shot, and with the Hobbit's passing ability and Hagelin's speed to set up play, look for #16 to light the lamp.

Also, Matt Hunwick should get his first action of the year, replacing the injured Dan Boyle.

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