The NHL announced its first ‘3 Stars of the Week,’ for the 2009-2010 season.
FIRST STAR — ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Ovechkin took the early lead in the NHL scoring race with consecutive three-point performances and a cumulative +4 rating as the Capitals opened the regular season with victories over the Boston Bruins and Toronto [...]

Other then the last goal scored by Ottawa with five seconds left, there is not much negative you can say about last nights win.
Here are a few thoughts:

-It is straight up scary watching Marian Gaborik.  I’ve never been a ‘big name’ fan, but he is a pure scorer and gets to the net.
-They didn’t score [...]

Check out my latest ‘3 Minute Minor’ on WFAN.com — we preview the season and the keys to the Rangers success.

I have joined on with Metro Hockey as a guest contributor.  I will be doing bi-weekly Q&A’s about the Rangers and all things NHL.
The first edition was just released.  Be sure to check it out.
This week we talked about Matt Gilroy, Michael Del Zotto and a look at the Islanders and Devils.

Despite a valiant effort the Rangers fell to the Pens last night in the season opener.
I saw a lot of positives in this game, and a handful of negatives:

Henrik Lundqvist played in the form we expect him.
Matt Gilroy looked like a veteran, not a rookie.
Michael Del Zotto looked like a rookie, but got better as [...]

I wrote my 2009-2010 Rangers preview on WFAN.com.  It’s all about the Ranger improving their offense this season.  We touched up that, the defense, new additions and of course, Henrik Lundqvist.

Here is a tidbit about Marian Gaborik:
“Gaborik is the key to the Rangers season. Gaborik is a prolific goal scorer and perhaps the best skater [...]

Former Ranger coach and newest MSG analyst Mike Keenan will join Mike Francesa on WFAN this afternoon at 2:05P ET.
You can hear the interview on WFAN 660 AM or on WFAN.com.
Monzo: Francesa told me today that he and Keenan had a great relationship back in 94 and have had one ever since.  Keenan is still [...]

Just spoke to someone from MSG and they confirmed that former Ranger coach, and obviously the coach of the 94 team, Mike Keenan will be joining MSG Network as as pre/post analyst.
Brian Leetch and Mike Richter will be in studio for select home games as well.
Monzo: I am impartial to this — but I love [...]

(Update 1:34P ET) Steve Zipay reports the issue with Semenov has been resolved and he will travel to Pittsburgh.
(Original Post) According to Steve Zipay via Twitter, and more reports when they arise, there is an ‘issue’ with Alexei Semenov’s contract and he may not dress tomorrow.
John Tortorella will announce alternate captains tomorrow morning — my [...]

The New Jersey Devils and Brendan Shanahan announced that Shanahan will not return to the Devils for his 22nd NHL season.
“When I signed this past summer, Lou Lamoriello, Jacques Lemaire, and I agreed that if we were unable to find a suitable fit in which I would be able to compete and contribute at the [...]