There was common theme with the New York Rangers following their 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on opening night Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
“It’s just one game.”
Coach Mike Sullivan said that. So did veterans Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox. Heck, captain J.T. Miller used that exact phrase at least three times when speaking with reporters after the subpar showing.
Ans you know what? They’re all right. It was just one game.
Plenty of undue emphasis is placed on the season opener, really, for all teams in every professional sport. Fans, media, and teams themselves are so hyped up for that first impression after the long offseason build up.