Preseason Game #5: New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers Open Thread

For the second time this preseason, the New York Rangers will be matched up against the New Jersey Devils. The team is coming off an overtime victory over the New York Islanders. The Blueshirts have continued to trim down their roster as the team gets ready to kick off their centennial season next week. After an injury scare earlier in the week, J.T. Miller will be held out of today's game as a precaution.

Fox, Vaakanainen, Berard, Carrick, and Brodzinski are also not playing in today's game tonight and are being held out as extras. Jonathan Quick is set to start in net for the Rangers, with Igor Shesterkin preparing to start in the final preseason Saturday. The Devils are also preparing to play some of their top players for tonight's game, including Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.

Player to Watch: Mika Zibanejad

After expecting to play wing this season, Zibanejad is sliding back to center for tonight's game. Even though Miller is not expected to miss extended time, today can be a preview of what would happen if the Blueshirts were to lose one of their top centers. Once the team acquired Miller, Zibanejad's play took a step in the right direction after a poor start to the 2024-25 season. Most of his success came while playing wing, taking defensive pressure off of him. Tonight will be a test for Zibanejad and the team as they see how they can perform without their captain anchoring the top line.