Late goal by the defending Eastern Conference champs sends Blues to a loss in season opener

New York Rangers Rick Nash (61) is congratulated by teammates after scoring the winning goal in the third period against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on October 9, 2014. New York won the game 3-2. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

The St. Louis Blues started their 2014-15 season at home on Thursday night against the New York Rangers and lost 3-2 on a late goal from Rangers forward Rick Nash, who scored two on the night.

Nash scored the game winner with 1:50 left in regulation after Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s clearing attempt took a funny carom off the left boards. The puck hit a stanchion and came out to the high slot. The puck landed at the skates of Rangers forward Martin St. Louis, who flipped a pass to Nash who beat  Blues goalie Brian Elliott over his stick.

Nash scored the first goal of the game in the first period tucking a wrist shot under the right pad of Elliott after the Blues also turned the puck over.

Game recap from Mike Reeves at Scottrade Center

Paul Stastny, who signed a four-year, $28 million contract with the Blues this offseason left the game in the second period when he took a knee to his thigh from defenseman Dan Girardi.  He returned and was credited with scoring the tying goal midway through the third period.

Brian Elliott made 22 saves in the loss.