NEW JERSEY DEVILS (40-29-7) vs. NY RANGERS (36-32-7)
New Jersey hosts the New York Rangers in the final match-up between the two clubs this season for the Battle of the Hudson.
You can watch on ABC or ESPN+ or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.
Read below for your game preview and pre-game story below. Today’s game is presented by Connections Personnel.
• TV: ABC, ESPN+
• RADIO: Devils Hockey Network
Cody Glass draws back in off injury when the Devils host the Rangers.
NEWARK, NJ – The Devils wrap up their season series with the New York Rangers in a pivotal matinee matchup at Prudential Center.
It’s the fourth and final meeting between the rivals, with New Jersey holding a 2-1-0 record through the first three games. While the Devils look to solidify their playoff standing, the Rangers arrive equally hungry, aiming to keep their postseason hopes alive.
“We recognize the importance of the game,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “Both in terms of the rivalry, where both teams sit in the standings.”
The Devils enter the contest following a rare four-day break — their first extended pause after playing 16 games in 31 days through March.
“I would say, if anything, we haven’t played a game here in a bit,” Keefe added. “We’re coming off a rare break… not much needs to be said, but I’ll say it anyway. Our guys recognize.”
LINEUP NOTES
Tomas Tatar returns to the lineup after missing practice for personal reasons. Cody Glass, who’s ready to go after being out several games due to injury, returns.
“Additional depth at center would be the biggest thing,” Keefe said about the benefit of Glass returning. “He’s a guy that in a short time here has been able to help us in various ways, whether it’s chipping in offensively, carrying the puck or making the play. Knowing how to play the game, special teams. He’s a very welcome addition.”
Seamus Casey, recalled earlier this week, draws into the lineup on defense.
“We just want to see him compete, able to defend well,” said Keefe. “Really for us, his ability to move the puck. It’s a small sample but he’s been one of our better offensive producers. Whether it’s shooting at the net, facilitating offense for others or on the power play, we just want to give him a shot here.”
Jacob Markstrom will get the start in goal for the fourth time in four games against the Rangers this season.
DISRUPTIVE TRIO
Keefe praised the cohesion of the line of Justin Dowling centering Ondrej Palat and Nate Bastian which remains intact today.
“All three guys have the ability to hang onto the puck and make a pass, but I look at them like three disruptors,” he explained. “They don’t let the opposition get in clean. I like what I’ve seen from them in that regard.”
KEEPING THE FOCUS IN-HOUSE
Despite changes in the Rangers’ lineup — notably the uncertainty around Mika Zibanejad, who missed practice Friday due to illness — Keefe isn’t letting that alter New Jersey’s preparation.
“We’ve got some bodies in and out as well. It’s just the nature of the schedule,” he said. “It’s more about our game. Anytime you disrupt your rhythm a little bit, you go to practice mode and then you’ve got to go right back. Rangers are in a similar situation with one game in their last six days.”
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe speaks to the media prior to today’s game against the Rangers.
THE SCOOP
The Devils continue their march to a berth in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. The club has a solid hold of the No. 3 spot in the Metro Division. A victory against the Rangers would almost lock in a spot for New Jersey, which has a magic number of seven. The Devils face the Rangers following a four-day break in their schedule, a rarity at this time of year. The Devils entered the break winning three of their last four games.
New Jersey will be without superstar Jack Hughes for the rest of the year. Following shoulder surgery, he is unavailable until next season. Defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler are both out for the rest of the regular-season, though Hamilton has begun skating.
In Hughes’ absence, forward Jesper Bratt has stepped up offensively to fill the void. Bratt has a single-season team-record 66 assists and personal career high of 86 points. He has 16 points (3g-13a) in his last 11 games. Captain Nico Hischier, who has four goals in his past two games which included his second career hat trick, paces the team with 34 goals. The Devils have five 20-goal scorers on the team with Hischier, Hughes, 27, Timo Meier, 22, Bratt, 20, and Stefan Noesen, 20.
Defensively, Luke Hughes has elevated his game of late. He leads all blueliners with 41 points on seven goals and 34 assists. Hughes’ 34 helpers ranks third on the team overall and best among defensemen. Goalie Jacob Markstrom has refound his game following a return from an MCL injury. He has won his last three starts and is 3-0-1 in his past four outings.
The Rangers are battling for their playoff lives. They currently are on the outside of the bubble with 79 points (as of Friday). They’re two points behind Montreal for the final Wild Card spot with both teams having played 75 games.
The Rangers are led by Artemi Panarin’s 34 goals, 48 assists and 82 points. Vincent Trocheck (22) and Chris Kreider (20) have each cracked the 20-goal mark. Recently returned JT Miller has 19 goals and 61 points, which ranks second on the club. Defenseman Adam Fox has 47 assists on the year, ranking fifth among all NHL blueliners. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin, a two-time NHL Goalie of the Year, has struggled in net. He’s 25-26-5 on the year with a 2.86 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. Those numbers are the worst of his career.
New York’s power play has struggling, converting only 17.4-percent of its chances to rank 27th in the NHL, however the PK unit is 6th with an 81.7-percentsuccess rate.
WHO’S HOT
Devils: Defenseman Luke Hughes has six points (1g-5a) in his past three games, and eight points (1g-7a) in his last five contests.
Rangers: Artemi Panarin has a three-game scoring streak with seven total points (3g-4a). That includes a three-point night (1g-2a) against Minnesota on Wednesday.
INJURIES
Devils: J.Hughes (shoulder, LTIR), Siegenthaler (undisclosed, LTIR), Hamilton (undisclosed, week-to-week), Glass (undisclosed)
Rangers: Edstrom (lower-body), Kaliyev (upper-body), Rempe (upper-body)
REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS
GAME NOTES
