The New Jersey Devils are set to face off against their rivals, the New York Rangers, in a pre-season game on September 21, 2025. This highly anticipated match at the Prudential Center marks the beginning of the pre-season for both teams. Fans are eager to see a mix of veteran players and promising prospects as they battle for coveted roster spots. As always, the Devils-Rangers rivalry brings an extra edge to the game, regardless of the time of year.
This article provides a comprehensive preview of the game, including insights from Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, expected lineups, and key storylines to watch. From spotlighting players making their Devils debut to analyzing the strategic importance of pre-season games, we’ve got you covered. Plus, find out how to watch and listen to the game live.
Here’s what you can expect from this game preview: insights on player debuts, expected lineups, coaching strategies, and how to follow the action live. This game is crucial for both teams as they evaluate their roster and prepare for the regular season.
How to Watch and Listen to the Devils vs. Rangers Game
Devils fans have several options to catch the pre-season action. The game will be broadcast on MSGSN, MSG, and NHL Network, providing comprehensive coverage for those who prefer to watch from home. For those on the go, the Devils Hockey Network will provide live audio coverage, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the game.
Attending the game at Prudential Center? Remember that PATH service between Harrison and Journal Square is suspended due to construction. Shuttle buses are available, but allow extra travel time to ensure you arrive on time for puck drop. The atmosphere promises to be electric as fans get their first look at the team on home ice.
Coach Keefe’s First Game Behind the Bench
The game marks Sheldon Keefe’s first appearance behind the bench as the Devils’ head coach this season. Keefe expressed his excitement about starting the pre-season, emphasizing the importance of using this time to evaluate players competing for roster spots. He noted that while wins and losses aren’t the primary focus, effort, speed, competitiveness, and implementing the team’s structure are crucial.
“It’s nice waking up knowing it’s a game day and you’re going to be back behind the bench,” Keefe said. “I’m looking forward to it.” He also highlighted that the coaching staff will be closely watching how players perform away from the puck, focusing on their energy, speed, and understanding of the system.
Competition and Opportunity for Players
Keefe stressed that the roster is filled with players competing for positions, making this pre-season game a critical opportunity for them to showcase their abilities. The coaching staff aims to provide these players with a platform to compete and demonstrate what they can bring to the team. While it’s early in the camp, these weeks will pass quickly, and decisions will need to be made.
“A lot of the guys we have lined up today are competing for spots,” Keefe said. “We’ll give them an opportunity to go out and do exactly that — compete. It’s the first pre-season game, so we try not to make too many judgments this early in camp, but these couple of weeks are going to go by quick. We’ll have to make decisions, and this is a chance for us to see what they have.”
Spotlight on Debuts: Gritsyuk’s First Game
One of the main attractions is Arseny Gritsyuk, who will be making his debut in a Devils jersey. Coach Keefe plans to use Gritsyuk in offensive situations to leverage his strengths and allow him to play confidently. The focus will be on seeing Gritsyuk’s offensive capabilities, while also evaluating his energy, speed, and comprehension of the team’s system.
“He’s an offensive player. So in a game like this, you want him confident, making plays, being himself offensively,” Keefe said. “At the same time, it’s all the little things — energy, speed, comprehension of our system. Each player has an identity of who they are. Go out and be that.” The Devils will also monitor prospects Lachance and Hameenaho, although there’s no set timeline for their return from injuries.
Projected Lineups and Goalie Matchup
Here’s a look at the expected lineups for both teams:
Devils
Forwards: Cotter – Glass – Gritsyuk; MacDermid – Lammikko – Legare; Crookshank – Glendening – Halonen; Hardman – Rooney – Bordeleau
Defense: Cholowski – Addison; Edwards – Strand; White – Osipov
Goalies: Allen, Daws
Rangers
Forwards: Sheary – Parssinen – Perreault; Othmann – Dowling – Raddysh; Blidh – Laba – Brodzinski; Aspinall – Robroeck – Rempe
Defense: Vaakanainen – Borgen; Pouliot – Fitzgerald; Mackey – Morrow
Goalies: Quick, Garand
Jake Allen will start in goal for the Devils, playing the opening period before Nico Daws takes over. The Rangers will counter with Jonathan Quick and Dylan Garand.
Injury Report and Key Stats
Injury Report:
Devils: Kovacevic (lower body) is out; Noesen (lower body) is out.
Rangers: Panarin (lower body) is day-to-day.
24-25 Regular-Season Results:
- Dec 2 – Devils 5, Rangers 1
- Dec 23 – Devils 5, Rangers 0
- Jan 9 – Rangers 3, Devils 2 (OT)
- Apr 5 – Devils 4, Rangers 0
24-25 Stats Leaders:
Devils: Goals – Hischier (35); Assists – Bratt (67); Points – Bratt (88)
Rangers: Goals – Panarin (37); Assists – Panarin (52); Points – Panarin (89)
Additional Game Notes
- The Devils and Rangers will play each other only three times this season, a scheduling quirk due to the league’s 32 teams. This will change next season when the schedule increases to 84 games.
- The Devils did not allow a goal against the Rangers on home ice in the 2024-25 season, marking a team first.
- Jesper Bratt led all skaters with nine points (3g-6a) against the Rangers last season, while Jack Hughes scored a team-high five goals against their rivals.
- Jacob Markstrom’s three wins and two shutouts led all NHL netminders against the Rangers in 2024-25.
Conclusion: What to Watch For
The pre-season game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers offers several compelling storylines. Key takeaways include the debut of Arseny Gritsyuk, Sheldon Keefe’s first game as head coach, and the intense competition among players vying for roster spots. The game provides a crucial opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate talent and implement their strategic vision for the upcoming season.
Devils fans should pay close attention to the team’s structure, speed, and competitiveness, as these are the elements Coach Keefe is prioritizing. Additionally, the performance of young prospects like Gritsyuk will be closely watched, providing insight into the future of the team. The Devils-Rangers rivalry always adds an extra layer of intensity, making this pre-season game a must-watch event.
In summary, this game is more than just a pre-season warm-up; it’s a critical evaluation period for the Devils. Keep an eye on player debuts, coaching strategies, and the overall team dynamics as the Devils prepare to take on the Rangers. Don’t miss the action on September 21st!
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