It’s been a long road with a lot of travel. Finally, the Rangers return to fully renovated MSG for the home opener when they host the Canadiens in a classic Original 6 match-up. It’ll be exciting for the players and fans to get reacquainted. Alain Vigneault will also finally get a taste of what it’s like to be behind the home bench at The Garden.

In what’s the 20th Anniversary since they won the Stanley Cup, the Rangers will roll out the red carpet for their brand new updated arena that features the Chase Bridge along with a new scoreboard. What should be an exciting night hopefully can result in a second straight win. It’s no secret that they have struggled out of the gate losing six of nine games (3-6-0). They’re hoping to build upon a 3-2 overtime victory over the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. The franchise’s first road win in Detroit since ’99. They earned it climbing out of two one-goal deficits with Benoit Pouliot setting up Derick Brassard’s OT winner. Three different Blueshirts scored their first goals including Pouliot, who had his best game. Mats Zuccarello also notched his first forcing extras.

If they can come out with another ‘W,’ it could be the springboard to a turnaround. Playing in the league’s worst division helps. Even though they only have six points, other teams’ struggles have allowed them to stay close. Including tomorrow’s visit to Nassau Coliseum for Thomas Vanek’s Islanders debut, the Rangers don’t leave the metro area again until a Nov. 7 road match at Columbus. They conclude October hosting the Sabres on Halloween with Carolina, Anaheim and Pittsburgh visiting MSG in November.

They’ll be minus captain Ryan Callahan, who resumed skating but is still a ways away. Carl Hagelin could be activated for tomorrow’s match at the Islanders. The speedy third-year Swede should inject needed energy. He plays a similar hard nosed style getting in on the fore-check. He also kills penalties, which might spell the end of the Taylor Pyatt experiment. One can only hope.

The Rangers are hoping some home cooking can provide a spark. They haven’t scored much with 15 goals in the first nine. The D hasn’t been any better allowing 33. However, new rookie backup Cam Talbot played well in his first two starts permitting two goals in each game. Defensively, they were steadier. With Henrik Lundqvist returning for the home opener, Garden Faithful are looking to see the kind of caliber goaltending he’s spoiled us with. Maybe the secret injury explains the rough start. They need him to be at his best. With no timetable for Rick Nash, the Rangers have scaled back.

All that matters is they start winning consistently. Home is where the heart is.