NEW JERSEY DEVILS (1-3-0) AT NEW YORK RANGERS (3-1-0)

The Devils look to get their second win of the preseason as they finish up a back-to-back against the New York Rangers in their second to last preseason game.

Read more in today's Game Preview.

MORNING SKATE RECAP

The Devils had an optional morning skate at Prudential Center ahead of the second half of their back-to-back against the New York Rangers. There were 16 skaters and three goaltenders including several players that played Monday night. Without a full group, there were no line rushes so no indication of who is playing tonight. Here's what Utica Comets head coach Kevin Dineen shared about roster management on the second half of the back-to-back:

“That’s always putting the puzzle together. At the end of it, there’s no givens, no guarantee of a game. There’s an incredible opportunity obviously with the Devils in Prague right now that there’s spots available, and to play on the road, back-to-back is not easy. We’re going to play a well-rested, high-end lineup so it’s going to be a different animal out there tonight. Our game plan is going to be simple, just play a real stingy type game and the players that are in there are going to get a great opportunity to show what their best is.”

Kevin Labanc played Monday night and will play again tonight as Dineen confirmed yesterday night. The forward said this is what the Devils need to do tonight against the Rangers:

“Possess the puck, make sure you’re making smart plays. If it’s a different lineup tonight, I think we’re going to have to take care of the puck, were not turning it over so they’re coming back down our throats. They’re a good team and have a lot of good players so we just got to make sure that we’re limiting the turnovers and bringing the same game that we had yesterday.”

Here's who was on the ice this morning:

Last night against the Rangers, Topias Vilen was injured and didn't play in the third period. Today, Dineen shared Vilen has an upper-body injury and will be out around 3-4 weeks. In other injury updates, Josh Filmon and Brett Pesce continue to practice with the group but are not available for games yet.

Dylan Wendt confirmed he will play against the Rangers tonight and discussed the opportunity to play in the Devils - Rangers rivalry at Madison Square Garden:

“I’m just going to soak it all in. Can’t get caught in the lights too much, I’m just going to get out there and play hockey at the end of the day. It’s going to be cool looking around, seeing some of those guys, the fans, the people there. I’m just going to take it a minute at a time and try to be present with where I’m at and not really get caught in the lights.”

The team's game plan will be to play with pace and bring a physical presence, something that has been a point of emphasis for every player at this year's training camp. Here's what Wendt had to say about the team embracing that:

“Even in practice every day we’re battling, playing hard, finishing checks and playing the right way. If you want to go far in this stretch that’s what you have to do, that’s how you have to play and we’re taking that to heart and really playing that way.”

Dineen said post-game Monday that Kevin Labanc played with composure and was used in key situations during Monday's game. Here's what the forward said about how he feels heading into tonight:

“I feel great. Legs feel good, mind feels good and it’s fun, you’re playing hockey. Im having a lot of fun out there and it’s always fun playing at MSG and Prudential Center so it’s fun.”

THE SCOOP

The Devils picked up their first preseason win against the Rangers on Monday night at Prudential Center. New Jersey fielded a roster of primarily AHL players. The chemistry that's developed with this core helped the team play a connected game and bring a strong defensive effort. In addition, great goaltending by Jeremy Brodeur helped the Devils pick up the win. Brian Halonen, Nathan Légaré, and Kevin Labanc had goals in the win.

The Rangers have had a strong preseason, winning their first three games before falling to the Devils yesterday. Although they played an AHL heavy roster Monday night, expect more main roster players in for New York at Madison Square Garden. The non-game practice group on Monday was full of NHL players.

WHO’S HOT

Devils: Brian Halonen came up big with the Monday's opening goal, physicality throughout the game, and plenty of time on the Devils successful special teams units. In addition, with a goal and a fight, he was close to getting a Gordie Howe hat trick.

Rangers: Adam Erne was also only one part away from a Gordie Howe hat trick Monday night as he had a fight and an assist in the game.

INJURIES

Devils: Pesce (leg), L. Hughes (shoulder),

Rangers: Vesey (lower-body, week-to-week)

PRE-SEASON RESULTS

• Sept. 30 vs New York (W, 5-2)