Preseason Game #5: New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils Open Thread

The Rangers are back in action tonight after a trio of days off following their defeat against the New York Islanders. Peter Laviolette’s squad is set to wrap up the road portion of their preseason schedule with a meeting with the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center in downtown Newark tonight.

With only two exhibition contests left, the current roster of 26 players is only a few cuts away from taking shape as the opening night group next Thursday. Dylan Garard was recalled from Hartford to back up tonight, but he’ll be back in the AHL by the time the preseason comes to an end. Ben Harpur, Erik Gustafsson, and Zac Jones are three defenseman competing for the #6 and #7 blueline spots, and one of those three will likely be shipped off to Hartford shortly after tomorrow’s game.

The biggest surprise of training camp would be Brennan Othmann’s ability to stick around this late into the proceedings. New York’s top nine forwards appeared set coming into the preseason, but Othmann has made a case to shake things up and displace a previously established forward, so we shall see if he’s done enough to start the season in the NHL.

Player to Watch: Will Cuylle

Cuylle is among the players also skating tonight that is in the mix for a depth forward role, so keep an eye on Cuylle tonight as he makes a final case for a roster spot.

Enjoy the game!