The New Jersey Devils travel to Madison Square Garden for a high-stakes rematch in the Devils vs Rangers rivalry on Wednesday (ET), with projected lineups, scratches and injuries shaping expectations. The game is the second meeting this season; the Devils won the first meeting 6-3. This preview lays out the matchups, goaltender plans and voices from the dressing room ahead of puck drop.
Projected lineups and availability
New Jersey’s projected forward groups list Timo Meier, Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer on the top line, followed by Jesper Bratt, Jack Hughes and Connor Brown; additional forward trios include Arseny Gritsyuk—Cody Glass—Lenni Hameenaho and Paul Cotter—Nick Bjugstad—Maxim Tsyplakov. Scratched for New Jersey are Colton White, Dennis Cholowski and Evgenii Dadonov. Injuries noted for the Devils include Stefan Noesen (knee), Zack MacEwen (ACL) and Brett Pesce (lower body).
The New York projected forward groups list Gabe Perreault—Mika Zibanejad—Alexis Lafreniere; Will Cuylle—Vincent Trocheck—J. T. Miller; and Taylor Raddysh—Adam Edstrom—Jaroslav Chmelar. Scratched for the Rangers are Vincent Iorio, Jonny Brodzinski and Juuso Parssinen.
In goal, Markstrom will make his second straight start after making 19 saves in a 4-3 overtime win against the Boston Bruins on Monday. Quick is expected to make his first start in four games.
Immediate reactions from the camps
Jack Hughes, player, New Jersey Devils, with NJD. tv offered a view on the rivalry and the spotlight: “When you’re looking at the schedule, you’re looking for Devils-Rangers. Great rivalry, great fanbases, fun to go in the Garden, fun here with a lot of Rangers and a lot of red, too, Devils fans, I enjoy playing in these games. It’s a game you circle on the calendar and want to be a part of. “
Dawson Mercer, player, New Jersey Devils, with NJD. tv reflected on the build-up to the rematch: “It’s been a while, but it’s always one you’re excited for. It’s a good rink. It’s nice with the rivalry and we’re pretty close to home. So, it’s a good feeling just to head over there. And we usually have a pretty good game against those guys. “
Devils Vs Rangers — what to watch and quick context
Wednesday’s meeting is the second this season; the first was a 6-3 Devils victory on March 7 in which Jack Hughes recorded a hat trick and totaled four points. Hughes has been a focal point since the break and recently reached a franchise milestone, generating momentum the Devils hope to carry into the rematch. New Jersey finished a seven-game homestand with a 5-2-0 mark and has won six of its last eight; the Rangers have won five of their last seven and will play an extended stretch with many games at home.
What’s next — immediate outlook
Expect the projected lineups to be finalized at the pregame skate and for both clubs to lean on their top trios and goaltending matchups; Markstrom’s back-to-back starts and Quick’s expected return will be central to the Rangers’ plan. All eyes will be on whether New Jersey can replicate its earlier success in the season series or whether the Rangers respond to tie the matchup. The Devils vs Rangers rivalry rematch should clarify short-term form for both teams and set a tone for upcoming homestands and road stretches.
