Devils Face Rangers in First Preseason Game of the Season

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils kick off their preseason schedule this afternoon against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center. The game is set to start at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on MSGSN, MSG, and NHL Network. Fans can also listen on the Devils Hockey Network.

Devils’ head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed excitement about his first game of the season behind the bench. “It’s nice waking up knowing it’s a game day and you’re going to be back behind the bench,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Keefe noted that many players on the roster are competing for jobs, emphasizing the importance of effort and execution over the final score in preseason games. “A lot of the guys we have lined up today are competing for spots,” he explained. “We’ll give them an opportunity to go out and do exactly that — compete. It’s the first pre-season game, so we try not to make too many judgments this early in camp, but these couple of weeks are going to go by quick.”

Among the players to watch is Arseny Gritsyuk, who will be making his first appearance in a Devils sweater. Keefe plans to utilize Gritsyuk in offensive situations to showcase his skills, encouraging him to play confidently. “He’s an offensive player,” Keefe said. “So in a game like this, you want him confident, making plays, being himself offensively.”

The Devils will also monitor the progress of prospects Lachance and Hameenaho, who are currently sidelined. In goal, Jake Allen will start the game, playing the opening period before Nico Daws takes over.

On the opposing bench, the Rangers will be led by head coach Mike Sullivan, who is looking to implement new strategies in his first season with the team. Several top forwards are expected to participate alongside younger talent vying for roster spots. Jonathan Quick and Dylan Garand will share goaltending duties for the Rangers.

Today’s game marks the beginning of a six-game preseason slate for the Rangers. Although neither team’s primary players will be on display, the intensity of the rivalry adds excitement to the matchup.

In terms of injuries, Devils’ players Simon Kovacevic and Timo Noesen are out with lower-body injuries, while Rangers’ forward Artemi Panarin is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body ailment.