One of the most exciting elements across the NHL's Metropolitan Division is the Hudson River rivalry or the Battle of the Hudson.
The New York Rangers released their 2025-26 preseason schedule on Tuesday morning. Six games, including three at home and three on the road, will be played from September 21 until October 4. The first game — Sept. 21 (away) — and fifth game — Oct. 2 (home) — will both be against the New Jersey Devils.
Not only that, but the Battle of the Hudson is one of the NHL's most storied rivalries.
2025-2026 Rangers' preseason schedule
Clearly, the two franchises want to start off the upcoming year with excitement. Why else would the two teams be squaring off in the very first game of the preseason schedule?
Here is the 2025-26 #NYR Preseason Slate: pic.twitter.com/jtAsYJnv8k
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 24, 2025
Budding young enforcer Matt Rempe — who was recently given a two-year extension — has also recently reignited an extra spark to the rivalry via a full five-on-five brawl on April 3, 2024.
NJ Devils vs NY Rangers history
New York leads the all-time series against New Jersey. The Rangers have 156 wins compared to the Devils 127 (53.6%). The two teams have also squared off seven times in playoff series; the Rangers also lead in the postseason 4-3.
The 2012 Eastern Conference Finals saw the Devils eliminate the Rangers from the rest of postseason play, but it was great for the Hudson River Rivalry.
Not only did it revive a classic playoff matchup, but it was great hockey (only one fight was seen on the ice in the high stakes, six game series)and the players showed the fans that the rivalry means a lot to them, too.
They also did the same back in first round of the playoffs in 2023, and New Jersey edged New York in seven games.
In their last 10 games against the Devils, the Rangers have a record of 6-4-0. However, the most recent matchup in the Battle of the Hudson was a complete disaster for New York — the Rangers lost 4-0 in shutout fashion.
Let's hope under new head coach Mike Sullivan that the Rangers can turn things around and keep the Battle of the Hudson river secured.