The last time the Rangers saw the Devils, it was a couple of days after Christmas. They prevailed 3-1 highlighted by Derek Stepan’s third career hat trick on 12/27/14. Astonishingly, the close Hudson rivals have only met twice with the Rangers taking both. They defeated the Devils 4-3 in overtime on 10/21. Rick Nash tied it and Kevin Klein got the winner.

In both games, Henrik Lundqvist and Cory Schneider were the goalies as they should be for tonight’s match at MSG. While Lundqvist is rounding into shape having won two straight allowing four goals on the last 60 shots, Schneider has had a fantastic year as the Devils starter. In Year 1 post Brodeur, he’s won 26 games while posting a 2.20 goals-against-average with five shutouts and a .927 save percentage. With his team eliminated from the playoffs, he’s been given some nights off. Having already appeared in a career high 66 games, the 29-year old former Vancouver ’04 first round pick has proven himself as the Devils number one goalie.

In missing the postseason for a third straight time, New Jersey is in a rebuild situation. Gone are Jaromir Jagr and Marek Zidlicky. Both trying to get their new teams in. Zidlicky with the Red Wings and Jagr with the Panthers, who basically need to win out and get help. The development of Adam Larsson under co-coaches Adam Oates and Scott Stevens has been important. At 22, the 2011 first round pick has improved since the dismissal of Pete DeBoer. Now a reliable top four defenseman, his offense has come with a career best 21 assists and 24 points.

Under DeBoer, Larsson struggled mightily. He wasn’t given consistent ice-time and even was scratched. He only played five games in December going minus-two. After DeBoer was let go, Larsson was given a vote of confidence by Stevens. A legendary defenseman who led the Devils to three Stanley Cups, he has helped restore Larsson’s confidence. Consider that he had four points in his first 21 games. Since the new calendar year, Larsson has two goals and 18 assists totaling 20 points with a plus-eight rating in 39 games.

With Larsson finally coming around, the Devils also can take solace knowing they boast young blueliners Damon Severson and Jon Merrill. Both continue to learn on the job. Eric Gelinas remains a project defensively. He of the powerful shot on the power play. With former 2013 first round pick Steven Santini finishing his second year at Boston College, the Devils defense will have a vastly different look. Veteran anchor Andy Greene remains. Clearly, they’re building from the goal out. A similar strategy that worked for the Rangers.

Up front, Mike Cammalleri has been a bright spot pacing them with 27 goals. His 40 points are second behind Adam Henrique, who has 41. Patrik Elias, who turned back the clock in the Devils’ exciting 3-2 shootout win over the Canadiens- with a beautiful forehand deke leaving Dustin Tokarski in the dust- is near the end of a brilliant career. Elias has 11 goals and 32 points. The all-time franchise leader in goals (404) and points (1,015) has been a classy Devil who deserves to finish his career in New Jersey. With only one year remaining on a deal that pays him $5.5 million, 2015-16 could be it for the popular Czech. Unless he wants a more defined role- something he hinted at. Hopefully, it won’t have the same bitter end as John MacLean.

Scott Gomez and Steve Bernier have been bright spots. Gomez with his nice comeback story. A career thought dead, he impressed enough in camp to give Lou Lamoriello something to consider. Even though he didn’t make the roster, Gomez patiently waited for an opportunity. Remarkably, the former Calder winner ranks fourth in team scoring with 31 points (7-24-31) despite missing the first two months. It’s a credit to the 35-year old Alaskan’s desire to prove he still has something left. He was fined by the NHL for elbowing Habs’ defenseman Alexei Emelin. He received a major and game but isn’t suspended for tonight’s Garden return.

As for Bernier, most thought he was done. Instead, the Devils gave him a chance to reclaim a spot. Bernier has repaid them with some of his best hockey scoring 13 goals while adding 15 helpers. He’s always around the net. Jordin Tootoo could’ve signed with anyone. The Devils were most interested giving him a tryout. One of the game’s toughest enforcers, Tootoo has had a special year scoring nine goals. Not bad for a character who plays a honest game while defending teammates.

It’s not all bad. Of course, disappointments still exist like Martin Havlat and Michael Ryder. Both who hardly play. Not every signing works out. Travis Zajac is a good two-way center who wins draws and is a threat shorthanded. But not worth the money they pay him. He’s miscast. Lamoriello gambled giving a gritty player a long-term deal. The average cap hit is $5.75 million. Zajac is earning $6.5 million this season and in each of the next three. It happens. Ryane Clowe remains in limbo. He’s played in 13 games posting a goal and three assists. The concussions have taken a toll. Will he retire? Pretty sad.

The Devils finally recalled prospects Reid Boucher and Stefan Matteau from Albany. Each scored last night and demonstrated two-way games. Something that’s a must for either to succeed. Another former first round pick Jacob Josefson is now a regular in a checking role. He has five goals and five assists. Not exactly big production. But he’s definitely grown into a defensive role playing penalty kill while taking faceoffs. At least they didn’t waste him.

As we get ready to leave for the game, I recall a time when these games used to matter. Devils/Rangers was as good as it got here. Not no more. There’s still hope for a Islanders/Rangers playoff series. If it happens, we likely won’t see it until the second round. The Islanders can clinch with a win over Buffalo and a Ottawa loss in regulation.

It’s funny how time changes things. Once, the Devils owned the metropolitan area winning divisions, conferences and Cups while making other Stanley Cup Final appearances. Now, it’s the Rangers who are the freshly minted Metro champs looking to go back to the Final and deliver the franchise’s first Cup since 1994. All the pressure is on them. None of the final five regular season games have any juice. Even with two against the Devils with a return match Tuesday at The Rock. It’s all about the playoffs. It’s all about Lundqvist getting ready and hopefully Kevin Klein back for Round 1. They’re the ‘favorites.’ A label I despise. That’s what happens when you win as much as they have.

If memory serves, the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award should be given out. Unless they wait till Monday with the Jackets visiting or April 9 with the Senators in town. I voted for Cam Talbot. Without him, there’s no division title and the playoffs aren’t a certainty. It’s amazing to think what he did. Not bad for an undrafted kid out of Alabama-Huntsville.

See you at the Garden.