The Hudson River Rivalry is back.
Even though it is preseason and tonight's game will not reflect in the regular season, this is still a meaningful game for both the Rangers and the Devils franchises in addition to NHL fans everywhere.
The last NY Rangers game was a 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins at MSG last Thursday; where as the last Devils game featured a 5-1 loss in an away contest at the New York Islanders on Friday.
To be more specific, the New York Rangers are currently undefeated in preseason play with three wins. The Devils have yet to find any success so far with only four losses.
PRESEASON GAME DAY. pic.twitter.com/7jGrvlW3iE
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 30, 2024
The Rangers come into this game firing across all areas of the ice. With an offense led by Vincent Trocheck, who racked up 77 points last season, and Chris Kreider, the team’s goal-scoring leader with 39 goals, New York has shown a potent attack that few teams have been able to counter. Adam Fox, from the blue line, has contributed significantly with 73 points, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Rangers’ offensive lineup.
This specific trio’s capability to penetrate defenses will be crucial as they going into a series against a team that has conceded goals rapidly this preseason.
On the other side of the ice, New Jersey does have quite the stacked roster. They have offensive talents like Jack Hughes, a key playmaker and Jesper Bratt, who led the team with 83 points. However, their productivity has clearly not translated into wins.
The Devils will need to leverage their offensive skills, including Nico Hischier’s knack for finding the back of the net, to challenge the Rangers’ if they want to have any chance of holding their own.
The synergy between Bratt, Hughes, and Hischier will be the most important aspect of the game if they are to capitalize on any rare defensive lapses by the Rangers.
However, it is worth noting that the Rangers have a huge advantage given the fact the main Devils' roster is in Prague for the Global Series.
The group breakdown on which players went is below.
Forwards: Timo Meier, Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Tomas Tatar, Nico Hischier, Dawson Mercer, Nolan Foote, Ondrej Palat, Erik Haula, Stefan Noesen, Paul Cotter, Curtis Lazar, Nathan Bastian, Kurtis MacDermid, and Shane Bowers
Defensemen: Brenden Dillon, Dougie Hamilton, Jonas Siegenthaler, Johnathan Kovacevic, Seamus Casey, Simon Nemec, Colton White, and Nick DeSimone.
Goaltenders: Jacob Markstrom, Jake Allen & Nico Daws
Thus, when it comes to goaltender versus goaltender we're looking at the Rangers' Igor Shesterkin versus New Jersey's Vitek Vanecek.
Shesterkin, who enjoys the moment and the competition, can be a game-changer in aggravating the Devil’s key goal scorers and helping the Rangers remain unbeaten thus far in the preseason.
Though, after managing to save only .89 of the shots faced last season and plying his trade against a high-scoring team like the Rangers, then Vanek must show his skills on the line.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcast on NHL Network, MSG SN, and MSG. It will also be available for live streaming via NHL.TV and Fubo.