Devils Seek Third Win Over Struggling Rangers in Rivalry Showdown

The New Jersey Devils will aim for their third victory this season against their longtime rivals, the New York Rangers, as the two teams face off at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Both teams enter the matchup in a slump, with the Devils going 2-4-0 in their last six games and the Rangers posting a 2-3-1 record since their last meeting on December 23.

The Devils are coming off a narrow 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken, where goaltender Jacob Markstrom made several key saves to secure the victory. Meanwhile, the Rangers suffered a crushing 5-4 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, despite holding a 3-0 lead early in the game. The collapse highlighted ongoing struggles for the Rangers, who have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances.

New York will see the return of goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who missed the last four games due to an upper-body injury. Forward Matt Rempe will also rejoin the lineup after serving an eight-game suspension for a hit on Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen. However, the Rangers remain without key players Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil, both sidelined with upper-body injuries.

The Devils have dominated the Rangers in their previous two meetings this season, winning 5-1 and 5-0. Jack Hughes has been a standout performer against New York, tallying 26 points in 22 career games against the Rangers. Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier have also been consistent contributors in the rivalry, with 18 and 17 points, respectively, in 23 games.

Despite their recent struggles, the Devils hold a statistical edge over the Rangers in key areas. New Jersey ranks higher in 5-on-5 play and special teams, with a power play that has capitalized on 5 of 22 opportunities against the Rangers this season. New York, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly on the penalty kill.

Thursday’s game will be a test of resilience for both teams. The Devils will look to tighten their defensive play and limit high-danger chances, while the Rangers will aim to bounce back from their recent collapse and avoid falling further behind in the Metropolitan Division standings.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, with the game broadcast on MSGSN. Fans can expect a heated rivalry matchup as the Devils seek to extend their dominance over the Rangers this season.