Rangers vs. Devils: 3 things to watch for in preseason rematch
After dropping a 3-1 decision Monday night, the New York Rangers don’t have to wait long for a rematch with the New Jersey Devils. The Hudson River rivals face off again Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
This time around the Rangers (3-1-0 in the preseason) are expected to ice a few more NHL regulars than they did Monday. In that defeat, goalie Jonathan Quick was the only player assured of a spot on the opening-night roster that was in the lineup. Adam Edstrom, Victor Mancini, Brennan Othmann, Adam Erne and Brett Berard were among those who played that are still battling to make the team.
“There were good parts, there were bad parts,” was coach Peter Laviolette’s assessment of the game Tuesday morning. “In regard to the individual efforts, it was kind of up and down. Great start … way off the mark in the second (period). In the third period, played with resiliency.”
Tuesday morning, Filip Chytil, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Chris Kreider and Reilly Smith took part in an early practice, so none of them are expected to play against the Devils. Defenseman Matthew Robertson, who’s been sidelined with a lower-body injury, practiced with a regular jersey, which is a good sign.
The Devils (1-4-0) don’t have much choice with their lineup. It’ll look very similar to the one that was filled with AHL players and those on PTOs on Monday because all of their NHL talent is in Prague preparing for the Global Series against the Buffalo Sabres to begin the season.
Related: What’s next for Rangers after Jimmy Vesey injury
3 things to watch for when Rangers host Devils in preseason rematch
Here are three things to watch for on Tuesday night.
1. It’s Igor’s net
Igor Shesterkin has played just once — for 30 minutes, not 60 — in New York’s first four preseason games. But he will start Tuesday against the Devils and likely Friday against the New York Islanders to build toward opening night on Oct. 9 in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.
Shesterkin started a week ago in a 6-4 win against the Islanders, stopping 16 of 18 shots in 30:08. He has not dressed since, with Jonathan Quick starting the past two games, backed up by Louis Domingue.
He’ll be facing New Jersey’s JV squad Tuesday, but it’s still game action and Shesterkin will use it accordingly to work on puck tracking and on-ice communication with teammates.
2. Guessing the lineup again
Laviolette again didn’t share who will be in the lineup Tuesday. He did say there will be more veterans than Monday and there would be players skating on consecutive nights.
It appears that the Vincent Trocheck line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere could play Tuesday, and the defense corps likely will include K’Andre Miller, Braden Schneider, Zac Jones and Chad Ruhwedel.
Those apparently scheduled to play again after being in the lineup Monday include Othmann, Mackey, Mancini and possibly Adam Edstrom.
3. Matt Rempe a go after lineup change Monday
Laviolette didn’t provide all the details, but did say that Matt Rempe was originally scheduled to play in the game Monday. However, there was a lineup tweak or two, and Rempe instead will play at home Tuesday.
“He was penciled in last night, but we just decided to go with a different lineup,” the coach said.
It’ll be the 6-foot-8 forward’s second preseason game. He logged 14:21 in ice time last Tuesday against the Islanders, led them with six hits, had one shot on goal and won three of five face-offs. Rempe also played on the penalty kill and smartly wasn’t lured into any fights by the Islanders.
Laviolette has praised Rempe for his tremendous physical conditioning and continues to rave about his work in training camp. It’ll be good to get another look at him in game conditions Tuesday.
Rangers vs. Devils preseason game: When, where, what time, how to watch
Who: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils
Where: Madison Square Garden
When: Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. ET
How to Watch: TNT
Click here for New York Rangers complete 2024-25 schedule and game results
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