New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers: Time, TV, streaming today

The New Jersey Devils face the New York Rangers tonight in a preseason matchup at Madison Square Garden. Start time is 7 p.m. ET. The game airs on MSG Network with multiple streaming options for local fans.

This is the Rangers’ fifth preseason game and a key tune-up before final roster decisions. Local TV carriage and authenticated streaming are available, along with pay-TV live TV apps that carry MSG Network in-market.

How to watch New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers tonight

TV channel: MSG Network (in-market coverage). Check your regional listings if you’re within the MSG footprint.

Start time: 7 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden, New York.

In-market streaming: The Gotham Sports App supports cable/satellite login and offers options for non-cable subscribers, including single-game access where available. You can also stream with active subscriptions to Spectrum, Optimum, Verizon Fios, DirecTV Stream, or fuboTV if they include MSG Network in your plan.

Out-of-market notes: Select nationally televised NHL games may stream on ESPN+ (if carried by ABC/ESPN or designated for ESPN+), Hulu (for ESPN+ broadcasts), or on MAX for TNT/TBS/TruTV broadcasts. Tonight’s availability depends on your location and rights—check your service for confirmation.

Match context: The Rangers continue their preseason slate with the Devils after recent split-squad and rivalry tune-ups. Coaches often rotate line combinations and special-teams looks at this stage. Expect shorter shifts for veterans and extended auditions for bubble players.

Why it matters: Final preseason games influence opening-night roles, especially bottom-six forwards, third-pair defensemen, and second-unit power-play minutes. Goaltending usage tonight can also hint at the opening-week depth chart.

What fans should watch on the ice

Preseason is about process more than results. Track zone exits, forecheck pressure, and special-teams structure. If the Rangers emphasize quick puck movement through the neutral zone, that’s a sign the coaching staff wants more controlled entries against New Jersey’s speed.

Faceoff reps will be important. Coaches typically test late-game situational draws on both sides. Watch who takes defensive-zone faceoffs after icings and who earns offensive-zone looks after TV timeouts. Those micro-decisions often forecast regular-season usage.

On the Devils’ side, watch transition defense and how their defensemen gap up at the blue line against the Rangers’ rush. If New Jersey keeps New York to the outside and limits east-west passes through the slot, they’re executing the preseason brief.

For younger skaters, look for details: backchecking routes, stick positioning in the slot, and clean line changes. These small wins are what solidify NHL jobs in October.

What tonight could signal ahead of opening night

Short term, coaches will prioritize chemistry over heavy minutes. You may see regulars paired with prospects to test fit. A power-play rep with first-unit stars often signals who’s on the cusp of sticking.

Longer term, this rivalry tune-up helps set early regular-season tone. Special-teams execution and 5-on-5 shot quality will be the checkpoints that staff review on film tomorrow. A disciplined game with low penalty minutes is a positive sign for Week 1.

Final word: New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers starts at 7 p.m. ET on MSG Network with in-market streaming on the Gotham Sports App and participating pay-TV streamers. Use tonight’s game to gauge roster battles, special-teams rhythm, and line chemistry before the games start to count.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What channel is Devils vs Rangers on tonight?

MSG Network carries the game in-market. Check your TV provider’s guide to confirm the channel number in your area.

Q2: How can I stream the Rangers game without cable?

The Gotham Sports App offers options for non-cable users, including single-game access where available. MSG Network is also on live TV apps like DirecTV Stream and fuboTV in select markets.

Q3: What time does the game start?

7 p.m. ET. Doors typically open about 90 minutes before puck drop at Madison Square Garden.

Q4: Is the game on ESPN+ or MAX?

Only if it’s designated for national coverage or ESPN+. Most regional preseason games remain on local RSNs like MSG. Check your app for availability in your location.

Q5: Will starters play full minutes?

Usually not. Coaches balance reps and evaluation. Expect regulars to get rhythm, while bubble players see audition minutes.