Open Game Thread: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils

After dropping the pre-season opener against the New Jersey Devils two nights ago, the Rangers will have their shot at revenge tonight. The team is set to head into the Prudential Center and take on the Devils for the second time in three nights. The lineup for tonight’s game has already been revealed, and it is as follows:

Most of the players skating tonight will be making their pre-season debuts, led by rookies Adam Huska, Tarmo Reunanen, and Joey Keane. Micheal Haley is the only player to draw into the lineup for the second straight game, as he’ll look to improve on his effort from Wednesday night as he continues his uphill battle to make the team.

Player to Watch: Adam Huska

With most of the hype surrounding the team’s goaltending prospects focused on Igor Shesterkin, Adam Huska is also attending Rangers’ camp for the first time this fall. After leaving the University of Connecticut to sign professionally last spring, the Blueshirts’ 7th round selection from 2015 will have his work cut out for him to earn playing time at any level this season.

Henrik Lundqvist is entrenched as the Rangers’ starter, with Alexandar Georgiev and Shesterkin expected to shuttle back and forth between AHL Hartford for the time being in order to get consistent game action. That leaves Huska in a bit of a bind, as his options at that point appear to be riding the bench in Hartford, or getting the majority of reps with ECHL Maine. If Huska wants to insert himself into the conversation with Georgiev and Shesterkin, a strong performance tonight would be a good start.

Enjoy the game!