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3 New York Rangers X-factors as Hudson River Rivalry begins in New Jersey

The 6-2-0 Rangers visit Prudential Center to renew the Hudson River Rivalry. Here are three x-factors that decide tonight.
ByJustin Bonhard
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Oct 13, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere (13) celebrates his second goal of the period against the Tampa Bay Lightning with center J.T. Miller (10) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere (13) celebrates his second goal of the period against the Tampa Bay Lightning with center J.T. Miller (10) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Rangers are set to do battle against the New Jersey Devils in the ever-exciting "Hudson River Rivalry". This is a title fight, not only for placement in the Metropolitan Division, but also for the entire tri-state area's allegiances.

There are a ton of storylines happening prior to puck drop, as both teams have shown a lot of promise this season. The Devils are led by Jack Hughes and Jasper Bratt as their leading point-getters so far. The Blueshirts have been able to stay consistent with stellar play from Alexis Lafreniere and J.T. Miller, as well as their goaltender Dylan Garand.

Let's go over some X-factors for the Rangers in this game.

Alexis Lafrenière

This is what Rangers fans have been waiting for. Lafrenière is a game-changer this season, contributing 10 points over eight games so far. There has been so much said about him already this season, and he continues to get better after every game.

The aforementioned Hughes, a former first-overall pick himself, will be going toe-to-toe against No. 13, and this time, it truly feels like two first-overall picks will be facing off. Keep your eyes peeled when they are both on the ice tonight, as fireworks will come soon after.

J.T. Miller

Another nice sighting for the Blueshirts has been captain J.T. Miller. He is finding success, in large part to having Lafrenière at his side to start the year, but also Tye Kartye. Three of his five assists went to Lafrenière, and the other two to Kartye.

It looks like whatever ailments from last season are completely healed, and we are finally getting the Miller that was in Vancouver. As this team keeps on winning, and the idea of playoffs starts to creep up in a few months, No. 10 will be very important for this franchise.

His leadership will outweigh his performance on the ice.

Will Cuylle 

Will Cuylle is a wrecking ball. Plain and simple.

After knocking around the Tampa Bay Lightning for 11 hits and scoring a goal in the process, No. 50 is coming back for more in this game against the Devils. He has only had a single goal in 11 games against the cross-river rivals.

If the Rangers want to win this game, Cuylle is going to be an important part of it. With Pavel Dorofeyev still acclimating to the bright lights of Broadway, expect Cuylle to continue to step up in his absence.

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