Ready To Rumble: Brett Gallant and Krys Barch square off.
Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

In preseason action at The Rock, the Islanders got the better of the Devils defeating them 5-3. The two teams meet again this weekend in at Barclays Center.

For the Islanders, the goal scorers were Anders Lee, Josh Bailey (2), Eric Boulton and Peter Regin. Most of the scoring came early. They used a four-goal first period against Devil starter Martin Brodeur to take a 4-1 lead. The first three tallies came via special teams. Lee connected on the power play from rookies Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome. Both of who are trying to make the team. Nelson is expected to make it while Strome will have to really impress. He’ll likely start with Bridgeport.

Both of Bailey’s goals came shorthanded. He combined with Kyle Okposo twice while a man short. Both are instrumental parts of an Islanders roster looking to build off last year. Each took steps in the right direction last Spring. If they are to challenge for a second consecutive postseason in the Metro Division, Bailey and Okposo should be key contributors.

The Devils had three different goal scorers. Rotislav Olesz picked up the lone tally in a lopsided first. A former pupil of Pete DeBoer, he’s trying to make the roster. A former first round pick of Florida, he assisted on Mattias Tedenby’s goal in New Jersey’s 2-1 preseason win over the Rangers. It will be tough with Damien Brunner on a pro tryout. He took 28 shifts and finished minus-two with one shot in 20-plus minutes.

Two defensemen found twine including former 2010 second rounder Jon Merrill. An offensive blueliner with potential, the 21-year old is in a strong competition for one of the remaining spots on the back end. He had a goal and assist in the defeat. But finished minus-two. Another player who continues to impress is Eric Gelinas. He set up two of the three Devil goals and went plus-two. Gelinas also scored against the Rangers. He’s a year older than Merrill. A former ’09 second round pick who the coaching staff seems to trust so far. He logged nearly 30 minutes. Damon Severson got into his first game and was minus-one with a shot.

Marek Zidlicky notched the other Devil tally. Travis Zajac and Michael Ryder picked up assists along with captain Bryce Salvador. Brodeur allowed four goals on eight shots in the first. He stopped five more in the second before Scott Wedgewood (3 saves) replaced him.

One other note. Boulton and Brett Gallant roughed it up for the Isles combining for 45 penalty minutes. Krys Barch had 27 PIM for the Devils and Stephen Gionta also was involved. Since I didn’t see it, I can’t really say what happened. Maybe Hasan will be able to provide more details.