Here are some players and matchups to look for in the Rangers’ season opener at Madison Square Garden against the Islanders:
1. How will rookie wingers Pavel Buchnevich and Jimmy Vesey handle their NHL debuts on the top two lines?
The Russian prospect has meshed with Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, another player making his Blueshirts debut. Vesey, the Hobey Baker Award winner, is skating with Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello. “I’ve always been a believer that talent has no age,” head coach Alain Vigneault said before the game. “The ones that seem to be able to do it are the ones that have that quiet confidence, that just go out and just play.