Three key Rangers to watch against the Pittsburgh Penguins

Hockey is officially back, and for the New York Rangers, the road to the Stanley Cup starts Wednesday night in Pittsburgh.

It's been over 30 years since the Rangers last hoisted Lord Stanley, and this season, they once again are a legitimate Stanley Cup Contender. The Blueshirts set franchise records in wins and points - along with winning the Presidents' Trophy - in the 2023-2024 season, but failed to reach the ultimate goal.

New York looks to achieve a lot of things this year, but, throughout the long, tedious season, the Blueshirts will have to ride both the ups and downs. That starts with Game One at PPG Paints Arena.

Here's three key Rangers to watch on opening night against the Penguins.

1. Igor Shesterkin

When talking about the Rangers this season, Shesterkin has to be the first name mentioned. The 28-year-old is on the last year of his contract with New York, and all signs point towards his next contract making him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history.

Shesterkin will almost surely make over the $10.5 million AAV that Carey Price did (the current record), and while his extension will be the main priority for general manager Chris Drury and company, Shesterkin willl have to back it up with his play on the ice.

The 2021-2022 Vezina Trophy winner is still one of, if not the, best goaltender in the NHL - he gives New York a chance to win on any given night, and it starts in Pittsburgh.

2. Alexis Lafreniere

What does Lafreniere have for an encore?

That's what Rangers fans and people around the NHL are asking about the 2020 No. 1 overall pick, who set career highs in goals, assists and points (28/29/57) last season. The 22-year-old followed it up with a spectacular postseason performance, where he scored eight goals - tied for the team high with Chris Kreider and Vincent Trocheck - and was fourth on the team with 14 points.

Many expect Lafreniere to take yet another jump this upcoming season. His line with Artemi Panarin and Trocheck has remained the same, and with another full offseason under his belt Lafreniere is expected to eclipse 60 points this season. But, more importantly, he will be key for New York's success as the year goes on.

3. Victor Mancini

With Ryan Lindgren heading to the injured reserve with an upper-body injury, all signs point towards Mancini making his Rangers' regular season debut Wednesday night. The 22-year-old had three points in four games during the regular season and was noticeable on the ice.

If lines remain the same as they were last reported to be in practice, Mancini will be paired with Zac Jones - another young defensemen - on Wednesday. Both players are ones to watch on Wednesday night as they seek to be regular contributors on the blue-line this season.

For Mancini, it should be a special night in Pittsburgh.