The most stirring moments for Patrick Kane came in the pregame warm-up and player introductions, which is an indication of how things went on his first night playing for the Rangers. Kane skated onto the ice at Madison Square Garden about a half-hour before the opening face-off on Thursday, and fans greeted him with a standing ovation, holding up signs of appreciation and cheering his every move until he skated off.
“It’s a special place to play,” Kane said after the game. “Original Six franchise, New York Rangers, playing at M.S.G. And to get a reception like that, it’s something I’ll never forget.