Game Preview #68: New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers The New Jersey Devils will open a five-game road trip tonight with a matchup against the New York Rangers in the second round of “The Battle of the Metro Basement.” Despite the Devils’ season appearing to be in decline, the rivalry with the Rangers remains a compelling fixture. The game will be broadcast on TNT and Devils Hockey Radio, with a start time of 7:00 pm EST. The Devils enter the contest with a record of 34-31-2, while the Rangers sit at 28-31-8. The Devils’ recent performance against the Boston Bruins on Monday night showcased their resilience. After the Bruins took an early 2-0 lead, the Devils staged a comeback, tying the game in the second period with goals from Connor Brown and Jesper Bratt. The teams traded goals in the third period, with Paul Cotter scoring the overtime winner to secure a 4-3 victory. Jacob Markstrom made his 8th start in the Devils’ last 9 games, continuing his role in net for the team. The Rangers’ last game also ended in a loss, this time 4-1 to the Los Angeles Kings. The Rangers have struggled defensively, allowing 34 goals in their last 8 games, but their offensive output remains strong. Igor Shesterkin started in net for the Rangers, marking his third consecutive appearance. The Kings took an early lead with a goal from Drew Doughty, and despite a late rally by the Rangers, Trevor Moore sealed the victory with an empty-net goal. Injuries and lineup consistency have become major concerns for the Devils. The team’s current roster has remained largely unchanged, but the decision on netminder selection remains unclear. Coach Sheldon Keefe’s preference for Jacob Markstrom over Mackenzie Blackwood has raised questions, as the Devils’ playoff hopes seem increasingly distant.#new_york_rangers #new_jersey_devils #sheldon_keefe #jacob_markstrom #battle_of_the_metro_basement
New Jersey Devils Host Calgary Flames in Key Regular-Season Clash The New Jersey Devils will host the Calgary Flames in a crucial matchup as part of their ongoing seven-game homestand. Puck drop is set for 7:12 p.m. ET Thursday at Prudential Center. The game marks the fifth installment of the Devils’ homestand and the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Devils, with a record of 32-30-2, aim to extend their playoff hopes, while the Flames, at 25-32-7, are looking to secure a strong finish to their season despite missing the postseason. Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that goaltender Jacob Markstrom will start for the Devils, despite the team’s morning skate being shortened due to Markstrom’s preference to avoid early-game skating. “We gave him the option,” Keefe said, “and he chose to stay off.” The Devils’ lineup features adjustments, including the reuniting of Jesper Bratt with Jack Hughes and the return of Arseny Gritsyuk to play with Cody Glass and Lenni Hameenaho. “It’s a little bit of an adjustment,” Glass said, “but we’ve played with Gritsyuk before, so we know what he brings. Communication is key.” Glass also praised Hameenaho’s growth, noting the rookie’s adaptability to NHL defense. The Devils’ morning skate included all players except Markstrom, who opted out. The team’s practice schedule has allowed for significant preparation during their break, with Keefe highlighting the value of extended practice time. “We’ve been able to get some good practice time,” he said, “and I’m hopeful that will continue to be productive. Between coming out of the break and the gaps between games, I feel we’ve practiced more in these last few weeks than we have virtually the entire season.#calgary_flames #new_jersey_devils #sheldon_keefe #jesper_bratt #prudential_center
Hudson River Rivalry Kicks Off with Devils vs. Rangers Clash The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers will finally meet for the first time this season in the opening game of the Hudson River Rivalry on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The matchup, set for 3:08 p.m. ET at Prudential Center, marks the first of three scheduled encounters between the teams over the next three-plus weeks. The Devils, with a record of 31-29-2, host the Rangers, who sit at 24-29-8, in a contest that promises high intensity and competitive energy. Head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized that the Devils will stick with their current lineup, with Jacob Markstrom starting in net. Keefe made adjustments to the forward lines, moving Jesper Bratt to a trio with Lenni Hameenaho and Cody Glass. The coach explained that Bratt’s performance had been affected by overthinking, particularly when paired with Jack Hughes, who often took the lead. By placing Bratt with Glass and Hameenaho, Keefe aims to let Bratt focus on his game, attack the net more, and increase his shot attempts. The Devils, riding a three-game winning streak, are looking to build momentum as they approach the end of the regular season. While they remain outside the playoff picture, the recent success has kept their hopes alive. Keefe praised the team’s mindset since returning from the holiday break, noting that the players have been disciplined and focused. The rivalry with the Rangers, however, adds a unique challenge. Keefe acknowledged the unusual timing of the matchup, as the Devils have yet to face their fiercest rival this season. He expressed optimism that the series could keep the team motivated and fresh. The Rangers, under first-year coach Mike Sullivan, are in a “retool” phase as general manager Chris Drury aims to rebuild the roster.#new_york_rangers #new_jersey_devils #sheldon_keefe #chris_drury #hudson_river_rivalry
