The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (2-0-1) @ New York Islanders (1-2-0)The Time: 7:30 pm ESTThe Broadcast: TV — MSG/Gotham/DAZN, ESPN+, Radio — Devils Hockey Radio
On Thursday night, the Devils faced off against the New York Rangers in the world’s most overrated arena, losing by a score of 4-3 in OT. In the first period, the Devils jumped out to a 1-0 lead, thanks to a power play goal from Stefan Noesen, his first of the preseason, at 8:51. At 12:51 of the second period, Ethan Edwards scored his first goal of the preseason to put the Devils up 2-0, and ultimately send the Devils into the 2nd intermission with a solid lead heading into the third period. Unfortunately for the Devils, the Rangers were not about to give up so easily, and they worked to erase the 2 goal deficit less than 6 minutes into the period.
Will Cuylle got the Rangers on the board at 3:10 before Anton Blidh tied the game up less than 3 minutes later at 5:21. Scott Morrow scored at 10:01, leaving the Devils (and Devils fans) wondering what had happened. Thankfully, Falco, I mean Amadeus Lombardi decided to “Rock” the Rangers, tying the game at 3-3, at 18:21 of the third, eventually sending the game to OT. Will Cuylle scored the only goal in the shootout, and that, as they say, was that.
For those people already doubtful of Nico Daws, he let up 3 goals on 23 shots for a .870 save %. For those who are rightfully taking a more measured, longer term approach, tonight’s game doesn’t mean much. There is a long way to go for both Daws and the Devils, and tonight shouldn’t serve as any kind of indication about how the next 84 games will go (after tonight’s final preseason game).
On Friday night, the Islanders faced off against the New York Rangers. It was their second game in a row against the Rangers, with the previous match ending in a 4-3 victory for the Islanders at MSG. The Islanders would not be able to repeat their success for a second time however, and they ended up losing decisively by a score of 6-1. The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead, less than 5 minutes into the game and never looked back. Our hated rivals added 3 more goals in the second period to unofficially put the final nail in the coffin. The teams exchanged meaningless goals in the final period to end the game at 6-1. I would expect the Islanders to come out tonight with a little jump in their game, but at the same time, they, like the Devils might just be looking ahead to game number 1.
Injuries, Roster for Tonight, Yada, Yada, Yada.
Come on now. Be honest. You didn’t actually think the Devils were really going to make it though the meaningless preseason without an injury did you? Oh, you did? Ah, yes. Sorry. No, I’m not laughing at you…I am laughing at an old joke I just remembered. On Thursday night, Seamus Casey suffered an injury and will be out for “some time.” Let the injury fun begin!
On Friday, Amanda Stein also shared the projected lineup for tonight’s game. For the most part this looks like the expected lineup for game 1 next week.
Grimace’s Prediction and 2026-2027 Record Tracker
Even though he’s only doing predictions for 1 preseason game this year, Grimace feels confident that the Devils will skate away from tonight’s game with a 4-2 victory. Don’t worry. He will be back full time for his regular season game predictions!
Grimace’s 2026-2027 Season Prediction record currently stands at 0-0-0.
In general, the preseason doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. Sure, the AHL bound players get some time in the big leagues. The borderline NHL players get to show why they should be the first ones called up when the inevitable injuries happen, but there isn’t really much more to it than that. There are many new players this season on the NHL roster, but they’re going to have to use the regular season games to form any kind of true chemistry. Most, if not all of the NHL players in the game tonight will not be going all out, as no one wants to get injured in a meaningless game. With all of that being said, I would love to see the Devils end the preseason on a high note with a win tonight.
In a shameless bit of non hockey related self promotion (approved by Chris – thanks Chris), I wanted to plug my podcast on here, if any of you are interested in listening. We have a light hearted, fun discussion about any movies, music, or video games mostly from the 1980s and 1990s. Please feel free to listen to us on any of the formats below and any feedback is welcome (positive and negative). Also, please follow us and subscribe, even if you think we stink. :).