Rangers vs. Devils: Lineups, storylines as Blueshirts aim to bounce back

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Rangers vs. Devils: Lineups, storylines as Blueshirts aim to bounce back

Rangers vs. Devils: Lineups, storylines as Blueshirts aim to bounce back — Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

John Kreiser · Forever Blueshirts

Wed, Mar 18, 2026 ·

5 min read

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The New York Rangers will try to start a new winning streak when their cross-Hudson rivals, the New Jersey Devils , make their first visit of the season to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.

The Rangers had won four in a row before losing 4-1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Monday in Artemi Panarin 's first visit to MSG since being traded to L.A. on Feb. 4. The Breadman had one assist against his old team as the Kings made the Rangers pay for an awful second period in which Los Angeles scored twice and outshot them 16-3.

New York rebounded with an excellent third period but managed only a power-play goal by Vincent Trocheck before surrendering an empty-netter than iced the win.

NHL: Los Angeles Kings at New York Rangers — Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Despite the loss, captain J.T. Miller is confident the Rangers are headed in the right direction.

"I don't think (Monday) was a step in the wrong direction by any means," he said Tuesday after a practice at which the Rangers donned green sweaters in honor of St. Patrick's Day. "We played two good periods – didn't like our second but (we) responded really well and had chances to tie the game and get closer. Still like what we're doing. I think we're going in the right direction. It's a good feeling."

The Devils, like the Rangers, are all but certain to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But they've won their past two games, beating the Kings 6-4 on Saturday and the Boston Bruins 4-3 in overtime on Monday. They also beat the Rangers 6-3 in Newark on March 7, with Ranger-killer Jack Hughes scoring three goals and assisting on another.

"They finally got healthy, they've got somewhat of a full lineup," coach Mike Sullivan said after practice. "I've always felt that when you look at their roster that they've got a dynamic offense with some of the people they have.

"We've got to take care of the puck – whenever you play teams that have quick-strike capabilities, that's such an important element of the game."

3 storylines when Rangers host Devils

1. Don't let Jack Hughes run wild

NHL: New York Rangers at New Jersey Devils — Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft may be an Olympic hero after scoring the "Golden Goal" for Team USA at the Milan-Cortina Olympics last month, but he's a terror against the Rangers. Hughes has two hat tricks in his past four games against the Rangers and has 19 goals and 32 points in 24 games against them.

Hughes missed 21 games due to injury this season, and that might be the biggest reason the Devils are on the outside looking in at the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has 51 points (17 goals, 34 assists) in 46 games and is coming off a three-assist performance in the win against Boston, giving him 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 10 games since returning from the Olympics.

The Rangers have to find some way to slow down Hughes in order to win – something they've rarely been successful at during his seven NHL seasons.

2. Miller time?

NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Rangers — Brad Penner-Imagn Images

This has been a lost season for Miller, who was named the Rangers' 29th captain during training camp but has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency all season. Two seasons after putting up 37 goals and 103 points while helping the Vancouver Canucks finish first in the Pacific Division, Miller has just 14 goals and 38 points in 53 games, and is a team-worst minus-26.

Sullivan largely blames injuries for Miller's struggles.

"I think every time we started to get the best of J.T., he got hurt," the coach said. "He's coming back right now off an injury. With bigger guys like JT, this is just my own experience, I feel it takes those guys a few games to capture their very best game.

"Every time we got momentum with JT and everybody felt really good about where his game was moving towards, he got hurt. He's dealt with that all year long.

3. Shoot more, score more?

NHL: Calgary Flames at New York Rangers — Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

If Monday's loss taught the Rangers anything, it's that they can't afford to take a period off. Igor Shesterkin stole a 4-2 win in Minnesota on Saturday when the Blueshirts were outshot 42-9 in the final two periods by one of the NHL's elite teams. But even No. 31 can't be Superman every night, especially when he's not getting a lot of help from his teammates.

If there's one thing Sullivan wants to see from his team as it tries to build on a 6-2-2 record since the Olympics, it's this – as legendary Rangers analyst Bill Chadwick used to say: "Shoot the puck."

Sullivan definitely wants to see more shots.

"I've always been a believer that nothing breaks down coverage like a shot on goal," he said. "It forces decision-making in that usually opportunity presents itself because there can be hesitation – guys aren't sure of where to go. There can be duplication – two guys doing the same job – and then opportunity presents itself."