As the questions linger surrounding the shocking death of Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov, some Russian public officials have begun to point fingers while Cherepanov’s family and teammates gather to mourn.

Aaron Voros scored a pair of goals and was a constant pest to Martin Brodeur in the Rangers’ 4-1 victory over the Devils Monday night at the Garden. The Rangers equaled their best start ever, tying the 1983-84 team that went 5-0.

Aaron Voros scored a pair of goals and was a constant pest to Martin Brodeur in the Rangers’ 4-1 victory over the Devils Monday night at the Garden. The Rangers equaled their best start ever, tying the 1983-84 team that went 5-0.

Top Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov died Monday night after collapsing during a game in Russia, the team confirmed in a statement. Cherepanov was 19. He was the Rangers’ top selection (17th overall) in the 2007 draft.

For as nice as the numbers look in the standings for the 4-0 Blueshirts and 2-0 New Jersey, their games sure have had a different look - and given the teams much different feelings about their perfect records.

The Rangers - with goals from some unexpected sources - scored four times in the first period, then held on tight through the last two to skip town with a 4-3 victory over Philadelphia Saturday night in the Flyers’ home opener.

Philadelphia sports fans, who once booed Santa Claus at an Eagles game, greeted Sarah Palin in similar fashion when she dropped the ceremonial first puck at center ice prior to the Flyers’ season opener against the Rangers.

The fans and Rangers themselves, were only too happy to spread around the popularity to the new kids in the home opener. Wade Redden, Aaron Voros, Nikolai Zherdev put the game away in a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Whatever script lies in store at the Garden Friday night, Act I already has shaped up much differently, and has tossed the hockey pundits off the Ranger bandwagon. It’s get-to-know-ya time at the Garden.

Sarah Palin’s next faceoff will come on the ice of an NHL arena, not at a debate. The GOP vice presidential nominee will drop the ceremonial first puck when the Philadelphia Flyers open the season against the Rangers on Saturday.