Preseason Game #1: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils Open Thread
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It may only be preseason, but New York Rangers hockey is back, and they will take on the New Jersey Devils. The Devils already have one preseason game under their belt with a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders. The Devils' lineup against the Islanders consisted of younger, AHL-likely players, while tonight will feature mostly players from their NHL roster.
The Blueshirts are rolling out a roster that should look very similar to the Hartford Wolf Pack's opening night roster. Five of the six Rangers' defenseman say time last year at the NHL level, while only five forwards say NHL action. You make have expected to see Cole Beaudoin in this group, but he practiced with the other group today, having battled a lower-body injury earlier this week.
#NYR game group for tonight looks like:
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 21, 2026
Blidh - Gawdin - Greentree
Sýkora - Dowling - Pärssinen
Aspinall - Roobroeck - Lamb
Battaglia - Terrance - Rempe
McConnell-Barker
Robertson - Morrow
Fortescue - Iorio
Vaakanainen - Cholowski
Trudeau
Garand
Tung
Where to Watch
Cable/Network TV: MSG Network, NHL website, NHL app, and DAZN
National Broadcast: ESPN+
Radio: 880 AM
Player to Watch: Matthew Robertson
Matthew Robertson was a pleasant surprise in an otherwise disappointing season for the Rangers. Despite his strong performance a season ago, Robertson appears to be fighting to make the Rangers' opening night roster. Heavy investment into the blue line makes him the odd man out.

Robertson registered 6 goals, 12 assists, and 18 points in his rookie season while playing strong defensively. Even though his spot on the roster is likely dependent on what is best for Alberts Smits and his preseason performance, a strong couple of games could make the decision more difficult.
Enjoy the game!