The last time they met, it was a cruel ending for the Rangers. They went out with a whimper in Game Seven last spring to the Devils.

That was then. Now, it’s Peter Laviolette behind the bench installing a different system for the Blueshirts. Players are still adjusting during training camp to the more strict system that emphasizes forechecking and defense.

Entering tonight’s preseason match, they inch closer to October. It’ll be the third of six exhibition games.

They won Tuesday night 4-2 over the Islanders. Three quick goals scored by Kaapo Kakko, Tyler Pitlick, and Chris Kreider were enough to get the victory. Blake Wheeler scored on a tip-in from Jake Leschyshyn. Igor Shesterkin and Dylan Garand shared goalie duties.

Laviolette was pleased with Brennan Othmann, who didn’t look out of place playing with Vincent Trocheck and Kaapo Kakko. The 20-year-old prospect will get his second game in a row on the third line later tonight. It’ll come with Nick Bonino and Wheeler.

With Filip Chytil out for a few days and Artemi Panarin being able to return to practice, Jonny Brodzinski will center the second line between Will Cuylle and Kakko. Mika Zibanejad joins Kreider and Alexis Lafreniere, who continues the right wing experiment.

Laviolette likes how Lafreniere has handled it. He wants to get a closer look at the line he put together in camp.

On defense, they’ll also take a look at K’Andre Miller with Adam Fox tonight. A pair Laviolette is excited to see.

Both Fox and Miller are good skaters with plenty of skill. If they prove they can work together defensively, maybe we get to see them as a pair more during the season. Fox and Ryan Lindgren have been a staple since coming into the league together. But there could be opportunities for Laviolette to use Miller with Fox during games. We’ll see how it goes.

One other thing to note is that both Erik Gustafsson and Zac Jones are playing. Gustafsson gets to pair with Braden Schneider, while Jones will work with Ty Emberson. Gustafsson remains the favorite to win the sixth defenseman role due to his experience and familiarity with Laviolette from last season in Washington. But Jones had a good showing in the first preseason game.

Igor Shesterkin gets to split the net with Louis Domingue.

As for the Devils, it looks like they’ll be getting a look at both young defensemen Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec. Hughes is expected to play in their top six. Nemec is pushing to make the roster, which includes depth defensemen Brendan Smith and Colin Miller.

The notables for the Devils lineup are Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Tyler Toffoli, Mike McLeod, Curtis Lazar, Tomas Nosek, John Marino, and Kevin Bahl. Akira Schmid is listed as the first goalie. There’s also a Brodeur. But not Marty. I miss that chant.

The game can be seen on MSG. It’ll include Ken Daneyko with Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti. I like it. Daneyko always adds an interesting outlook. For the fans complaining, it’s preseason. We’ll get to hear Sam and Joe plenty during the regular season until we grow tired of them. Especially when they’re waxing poetic about the opponent. An MSG specialty.

Hopefully, I’ll catch enough to put something up either later on or tomorrow.