2024 Preseason Game Preview #6: New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers

After beating the Hartford Wolf Pack last night, we’ll see if the Rangers dress more NHLers tonight.

The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers

The Time: 7:00 PM ET

The Broadcast: TV: TNT, truTV; Digital: MAX; Audio: Devils Hockey Radio

Part Two

The Devils and Rangers played last night. Or was it the Utica Comets and Hartford Wolf Pack? Either way, Jeremy Brodeur played extremely well in goal for the Devils, while the skaters chipped in three goals to beat the blueshirts. Since preseason is quickly winding down, I imagine that the Rangers will want to dress more of their NHL lineup tonight. Yesterday, the Rangers’ non-game group lines looked like this:

Will the Devils face all of these guys tonight? Possibly, but maybe not. The Devils, on the other hand, do not really have much of a mix of players who sat last night who can pop into the lineup for some extra energy tonight. Some young forwards, such as Adam Beckman, Josh Filmon, Cam Squires, and Dylan Wendt could get into the lineup tonight. On the defensive side, I could see 6’7” Jackson van de Leest pushing into the lineup — especially if Matt Rempe is in for the Rangers. And in goal, I highly doubt Jeremy Brodeur will be made available for tonight’s game, even if it would be cool to see him face NHL shooters. The Devils still have Isaac Poulter, Tyler Brennan, and Michael Hutchinson in camp. I could see today being a split day for Isaac Poulter and Michael Hutchinson.

Aside from those few possible changes, the Devils do not have a lot to move around. Assuming the Rangers have at least some of their top forwards and defenders play tonight, though, they will likely be at a bit of a disadvantage, as more of the Rangers on the ice should be rested than the Devils.

Angling

Tonight is another big night for Kevin Labanc, who had his best night of the preseason last night. If Labanc plays well against better competition, he will be on his way to an NHL contract. Whether that contract comes from the Devils or another team remains to be seen, but it would be pretty easy to find a spot for Labanc on the roster if he continues to play the way he did last night. Other depth forwards, such as Mike Hardman, Brian Halonen, Nathan Legare, and Justin Dowling are also probably going to stay in the lineup tonight, as they are still playing for future duties as potential call-ups.

And while Chase Stillman had a good night last night, I wonder if other young Devils like Cam Squires or Josh Filmon get in the lineup tonight. The team may be in more need of scoring talent against more NHL-quality opponents, and those two will be hungry to show that they can perform at a higher level and still contribute offense. It may not be a Jack Hughes-led showdown, but there are still things to follow here.

Your Thoughts

What do you think of tonight’s game? Will you be watching? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and thanks for reading.