Cam Janssen and Brandon Mashinter exchange punches.
AP/Bill Kostroun

The last time the Rangers faced the Devils, both teams were struggling mightily. For our side of a classic Hudson rivalry, a 4-0 shutout loss on Oct. 19 in Newark was a low point. They were so uncompetitive that Cory Schneider could’ve had a lounge chair. It was their first game without Ryan Callahan. A 2-1 humiliation to the Flyers had them off to a 2-6-0 start.

An emotional 3-2 overtime win in Detroit helped right the ship. Carl Hagelin returned two games later and they’ve been a different team since winning six of seven entering tonight’s Garden rematch. Having both Hagelin and Callahan back have helped immensely. With Chris Kreider’s improvement and Mats Zuccarello playing his best hockey, the Rangers are scoring more. In four of their last six, they’ve reached four or more. Until allowing three to the Panthers Sunday, they’d given up two or fewer in nine straight. A stretch that followed the Devil embarrassment.

Henrik Lundqvist is back to his old self bringing a 6-6-0 record with a 2.47 GAA and .916 save percentage with two shutouts into tonight. Unlike last month, he’ll see Martin Brodeur in the opposite end. The 41-year old legend isn’t done yet. After admitting that he lost the competition with Schneider, all he’s done is return to form posting back-to-back shutouts. Many Devil fans wrote Marty off prematurely. Once more, he’s silenced his critics entering with a 4-3-2 mark including a 2.09 GAA, .908 save percentage and two shutouts. Never count a legend out.

Speaking of which, the Devils are coming off their best win of the season. A 5-0 trouncing of the Predators. They’ve won two of three and got five of six points including a shootout defeat to the Maple Leafs. Up to 5-7-5, they’re only a few points out of the playoffs. Jaromir Jagr is a big reason why. Another legend that was counted out following last year’s playoffs when he didn’t score a goal during Boston’s run to the Stanley Cup Final. People forget that he had plenty of chances. Jagr scored his fifth of the season Sunday to set the tone. It also was a milestone with the goal his 1,700th NHL point- becoming only the eighth player to accomplish it. He joined an exclusive list that features Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Gordie Howe, Ron Francis, Marcel Dionne, Steve Yzerman and former Pen teammate Mario Lemieux.

Had he not missed a few seasons due to returning to the KHL, Jagr probably is second behind Gretzky. Despite his enormous talent, Number 68’s been taken for granted. His 13 points (5-8-13) which lead the Devils are proof he’s still got it. If you’ve seen the Devils, you already know. He’s been their best forward. They don’t score much. Especially without Patrik Elias. However, Jagr has been at the forefront. Aside from a highlight reel goal, he had a great set up for Travis Zajac that was a thing of beauty. Aside from his 686 career goals, Jagr is a sensational playmaker. He’s totaled 1,015 assists ranking 12th all-time. Two more would pass Hall Of Famer Joe Sakic for 11th. As I’ve echoed many times, “Legends Never Die.”

There are other interesting storylines. Perhaps none better than Cam Janssen. Since his recall from Albany, the popular Devil enforcer has scored twice in three games. Both came in wins. Brodeur shutouts over the Flyers and Preds. Janssen has nearly doubled his career output going from three goals to five. Who ever would’ve thought he could inject life with his stick instead of his fists?

On the Ranger side, Ryan McDonagh has turned into an offensive source from the back end. With four points over his last three, he’s up to 10 (4-6-10) for the season which leads Rangers defensemen. That’s good enough to place him third in team scoring trailing Brad Richards and Derek Stepan. For the Devils, Marek Zidlicky continues to produce posting two goals and nine assists for 11 points. The Czech vet blueliner ranks second behind Jagr and is particularly dangerous on the power play possessing a heavy one-timer.

If you’re looking at rookies, Kreider has eight points (2-6-8) in 10 games. That included a great pass off a tic-tac-toe set up for J.T. Miller. His backcheck forced a turnover leading directly to the goal. He also showed a mean streak going after Scottie Upshall with a nasty cross check. He wasn’t disciplined. Such a retaliation could’ve hurt the team. He has to be smarter. For the Devils, defenseman Eric Gelinas has been a steady influence on Adam Larsson. Gelinas has proven he should stay up posting five points (1-4-5) in eight games. A solid skater with a good shot, he’s given Pete DeBoer another option on the power play. He has a lot of poise.

On the injury front, Rick Nash skated again. He’s getting closer. The reviews have been positive, which is encouraging. Taylor Pyatt remains out with a concussion. That means big bruiser Brandon Mashinter plays again which could mean a rematch from preseason if Janssen isn’t focused on goal scoring.

Unlike last time, both teams are playing well. So, it should make for an early Thanksgiving treat for locals. The Battle Of Hudson is one of the best rivalries. This is Game 2 of 5. The next meeting is Dec. 7 at MSG a day before my birthday. I’m not going tonight. It’s a safe bet I’ll be at that one with the Caps visiting Dec. 8. My next game is this Sunday with the Kings visiting. That should be good. Hopefully, we can say the same for tonight.