Newark, NJ – The Latest Jersey Devils are set to invade Madison Square Garden for the first time this season, marking a key matchup in their rivalry with the New York Rangers. While technically a road game, the Devils are approaching the contest with a unique mindset, considering it an extension of a successful seven-game homestand. The team’s recent form and the proximity of the two arenas are contributing to this feeling of continuity as they prepare for a crucial Metropolitan Division clash.
The Devils concluded their homestand with a 5-2-0 record, including a decisive 6-3 victory over the Rangers at the Prudential Center on March 7. They aim to build on that momentum and achieve a 6-2-0 record on this “extended” homestand. The unusual circumstance of playing a road game while maintaining their home routine – practicing at the Prudential Center and staying in the city – is a factor the team believes will be beneficial. “We’ll play a road game tonight, but it’s sleeping in your own bed and coming to our facility in the morning, it’s very much a home routine so we consider this part of the homestand,” head coach Sheldon Keefe explained.
A Familiar Rhythm Despite the Change of Venue
Forward Dawson Mercer echoed Keefe’s sentiment, noting the team’s comfort level. “We haven’t been at home for this long of a time and even this one you consider another one, sticking around here,” Mercer said. “I think we’ve played good. When you get on a roll like that you want to keep on going with it.” The Devils’ ability to maintain their established routines, even while traveling a short distance to New York City, is seen as a key advantage. The Prudential Center serves as the team’s consistent base, allowing them to focus on preparation and performance without the disruptions often associated with extended road trips.
The Hudson River Rivalry Rekindled
The matchup against the Rangers carries significant weight due to the long-standing rivalry between the two teams. The history of the Devils and Rangers spans nearly 50 years and over 270 games, with Madison Square Garden and the Prudential Center serving as the focal points for this intense competition. The Prudential Center website details the storied past of this “Hudson River Rivalry.”
The 2024-25 NHL season saw four matchups between the Devils and the Rangers. The Devils secured victories in three of those games, including a 5-1 win at Madison Square Garden on December 2nd and a 5-0 shutout at home on December 23rd. The Rangers managed a 3-2 overtime win at the Prudential Center on December 23rd, and a 4-0 shutout victory at the Prudential Center on April 5th. This season, the teams are scheduled for two more contests, with this game at Madison Square Garden being the first.
Looking for a Sweep
Defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler expressed the team’s ambition to dominate the season series. “It’s a little late,” Siegenthaler said, referring to the timing of their first visit to Madison Square Garden. “We seem at it as a little series. We won the first one and we want to sweep them.” This competitive spirit underscores the importance the Devils place on this rivalry game.
Mercer also highlighted the excitement surrounding the matchup. “It’s been a while, but it’s always one you’re excited for. It’s a good rink,” Mercer said. “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.” The close proximity of the two arenas adds another layer to the rivalry, with both teams keenly aware of the stakes and the passionate fan bases involved.
The New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 season features 41 home games at the Prudential Center, as detailed on the Prudential Center website. The team’s history, marked by three Stanley Cups, five Conference Championships, and nine Division Championships, adds to the weight of this rivalry game. The Devils are aiming to continue their success and solidify their position as an Eastern Conference leader.
The Devils and Rangers will play two more times during the 2025-26 season, continuing a rivalry that has captivated fans for decades. The next scheduled game between the two teams will be announced soon by the NHL.
Share your thoughts on the Devils-Rangers rivalry and predictions for tonight’s game in the comments below.
