It's back, the Hudson River Rivalry has returned.
The Devils are hosting a back-to-back, home-and-home series against the New York Rangers in New Jersey's second half of preseason. But, there's a catch. The Devils are looking to defeat the Rangers with part of New Jersey's main roster in Prague for the Global Series. Spoiler alert: they did. The Devils won their first preseason game of the year, beating their rival 3-1 on Monday night.
The group breakdown on which players went is below, according to Devils' Team Reporter Amanda Stein.
No changes for #NJDevils for the first practice in Czechia.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 30, 2024
Same as yesterday before leaving… just no Pesce on the trip. pic.twitter.com/4oKpR2CdoP
Let's breakdown three ways on how this effects the team and the upcoming season.
Fighting a Disadvantage
While it's clear the Rangers have a huge advantage given the fact the main Devils' roster is in Prague for the Global Series, if the Devils could pull out some wins, it would be a huge indication of the potential their roster holds across the board.
The Devils will need to leverage their offensive skills, to challenge the undefeated Rangers’ if they want to have any chance of holding their own.
The synergy on ice will be the most important aspect of the game if they are to capitalize on any rare defensive lapses by the Rangers.
Preseason so far
New Jersey does have quite the stacked roster this preseason. They have offensive talents like Jack Hughes, a key playmaker and Jesper Bratt, who led the team with 83 points. However, their productivity has clearly not translated into wins this preseason.
Maybe with a little desperation left in New Jersey
Most Important Time of Preseason
The Devils are currently 1-4 after securing their first win. A good showing with the roster split across those at the Prudential Center and in Czechia is key both record-wise and for fans' expectations for the upcoming year.
For the main roster to prove themselves overseas while simultaneously getting a win or two at home would really help fans and the franchise with making roster decisions and securing whose on the first line.
If you're asking those at Pucks and Pitchforks, the most important time of the preseason is now.