On Monday, New Jersey Devils fans got what they had been waiting seemingly forever for; P.K. Subban, Jack Hughes, and Nikita Gusev all wearing Devils sweaters together on home ice.
Related: DAB Recap: Devils Split First Two Preseason Games
Better yet, Devils fans got to see Jack Hughes net the puck twice, the big one being a give and go from Nikita Gusev in 3-on-3 overtime.
The First Battle
After a split-squad against the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens on Monday night, the Devils meet the beloved new additions in New York for a showdown with the Rangers. It’s the ultimate pre-season matchup because both teams are highly touted for their prospects who will get a chance to showcase themselves in a rivalry game.
For the Rangers it’s Kaapo Kakko, Adam Fox, and Vitali Kravtsov trying to impress, while Artemi Panarin and Jacob Trouba settle into their new home. For the Devils, we’ll see prospects Jesper Boqvist and Ty Smith prove their NHL readiness, as Nikita Gusev acquaints himself with the New York-New Jersey rivalry. Unfortunately, we won’t get to see Taylor Hall, Jack Hughes, P.K. Subban, or Wayne Simmonds, but it will be a big game in deciding who makes the team. Nevertheless, here are the lineups for tonight’s game in New York:
Projected Lines
Devils
- Gusev – Hischier – Boqvist
- Seney – Maltsev – Bratt
- Wood – McLeod – Bastian
- Baddock – Rooney – Hayden
- Butcher – Vatanen
- Smith – Severson
- Mueller – Carrick
- Cory Schneider
- Evan Cormier
Rangers
- Panarin – Zibenejad – Kakko
- Kreider – Andersson – Krafstov
- McKegg – O’Regan – Jones
- Haley – Nieves – Elmer
- Skjei – Trouba
- Hajek – Fox
- Crawley – Smith
- Alexandar Georgiev
- Igor Shesterkin
What to Watch
Since this is the Rangers first preseason game, they’re playing many of their best players, giving us a glimpse of what New Jersey will face during the regular season. I wouldn’t expect a win without Hall, Hughes, and Subban, but I’m confident Nico Hischier and the hungry prospects will keep this competitive. Pay special attention to Ty Smith, since the young defenseman will have to step up this year to improve the Devils’ defense. Also watch for big forward John Hayden, acquired in the John Quenneville trade with Chicago, who will compete to make the opening night roster.
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