Tonight, the Rangers played their third exhibition game of six. They dropped a 3-2 decision to the Devils at MSG.

It was a mixed bag as far as the first game between the close Hudson rivals since the first round. The Devils got the win due to taking advantage of glaring mistakes. Similar to how they defeated the Rangers last spring.

If it had a familiar script, they say that old habits die hard. In the Blueshirts’ case, this was a lesson they’ll have to learn from quickly. Peter Laviolette won’t tolerate it. There were too many instances where they turned pucks over and were late on coverages. That can’t happen against a dangerous opponent with the game-changing speed and skill that the Devils possess.

Although they had some hiccups that led to the first two Devils goals, the Rangers also showed some positives. For a good majority of the second half, they dictated the terms by utilizing the aggressive forecheck Laviolette wants to see.

After a sluggish start, they controlled things during a much improved second period. There were some good shifts where they spent long stretches in the Devils end. That created scoring chances and drew power plays. If they can maintain that kind of style during the season, the Rangers could be fun to watch.

The most important part will be adjusting to the defensive system Laviolette installed. That means making better reads in all three zones. It also emphasizes back checking. There were a few times when they didn’t do a good job in that area. It was an issue last season. If they want to be successful, they must clean it up.

Mika Zibanejad made his season debut. Playing with Chris Kreider and Alexis Lafreniere (more on him later), he looked okay. Timing was an issue. That isn’t a surprise. It’s much different playing in a game than practice. It’s faster paced. He and Kreider did show some of the chemistry they have, which is why it’s absurd to split them up.

Jonny Brodzinski stepped in for the injured Filip Chytil and centered the second line between Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko. Brodzinski was good again. If he played on another roster with more opportunities, there’s no doubt that he could be in the NHL. It would have to be the right situation. He knows how to play and looks to shoot the puck. I hope he does find a home in the league.

Brennan Othmann was part of the third line centered by veteran Nick Bonino. Blake Wheeler was on the right side. Of the trio, Othmann was impressive throughout. He generated chances by playing fearless. Although it came following an empty net goal from Rangers killer Mike McLeod, Othmann got rewarded with a goal that came with 34.2 seconds remaining. He is definitely giving the Rangers something to think about.

While it’s likely he’ll start the season in Hartford to fine tune his game at the pro level, the 20-year-old Othmann has looked good so far in two showings. It’s encouraging to see a young player who has the unique combination of skating, instincts, and a physical edge. One play he made to steal the puck nearly led to a goal. It was nice to see him pick up an errant Erik Gustafsson shot and score late.

The other bright spot was Cuylle. He only knows one way to play the game. Hard-nosed with an edge. There’s a lot to like about him. He is noticeable during shifts due to his speed and grit. You see Cuylle making things happen. He is around the puck and not shy about mixing it up in front of the net. Similar to Othmann, who has a higher ceiling.

Compared to what we’ve seen so far from Kakko and Lafreniere, it’s the fresher faces that are more impressive. That doesn’t mean Kakko and Lafreniere can’t have a good season. But one is a puck possession hound who is very unselfish, while the other is still a bit perplexing despite a willingness to drive the net. Neither had much impact in Thursday’s game. At least you noticed Kakko. Lafreniere was ineffective. He’ll need to be much better when 2023-24 begins.

Out of the rest of the skaters, Gustafsson had a good night. He scored the first goal with a nice snipe past backup Erik Kallgren. On the scoring play, Cuylle helped set it up by making a smart back pass to Braden Schneider. He moved the puck across for Gustafsson, who went upstairs for the tying goal during the second period.

Gustafsson is familiar with Laviolette from last year in DC. He was effective and looked confident with the puck. He definitely has the upper hand on Zac Jones for the sixth defenseman. Jones didn’t do anything to hurt his chances of making the roster. But it’s a safe bet that Gustafsson will be in the lineup for Opening Night.

Igor Shesterkin was superb. He made 20 saves in two periods. There were quite a few that were on the highlight reel. That included a huge glove save to deny Devils prospect Simon Nemec. He had just gotten an assist on a Tyler Toffoli goal that Shesterkin misplayed. But on the next shift, Nemec thought he had one until the athletic Shesterkin reached out to snap it out of midair.

His best save came on a breakaway when he denied a backhand deke with great reflexes down low. Obviously, you’d like to see him face fewer high danger chances. There were too many Devils’ break-ins off sloppy Rangers’ play. Something I’m sure Laviolette will be in his players’ ear about.

As far as the K’Andre Miller and Adam Fox experiment, they were on the ice for two goals against. The first one was due Fox losing a board battle. He was forced into a turnover. Eventually, Jack Hughes combined with Nemec to feed Toffoli for a fluky turnaround shot that banked in off Shesterkin’s stick.

The second goal was neither of their fault. It was a four-on-four situation. Simply put, Kreider didn’t stick with Jesper Bratt. His lazy back check allowed Bratt a free lane to the net to beat reliever Louis Domingue. The poor guy had no chance. Luke Hughes started it with a pass up for Kevin Bahl. He simply made a good lead pass for Bratt for the easy finish 25 seconds into the third period.

Coincidentally, Kreider and Bahl got into a wrestling match during a shift. Kreider went off for interference. It was soft. Bahl fell to the ice like he was shot. He’s 6-6, 230.

In what was a forgettable game for Lafreniere, he got into it with Nemec during a scrum with a minute left in the second. All because he went to the net in search of a rebound. At least he did something. He was invisible mostly. The only positive I noticed was him blocking a John Marino shot. He also had a ridiculous turnover at the point during a power play when he tried to go one on three. It led to a breakaway chance that Domingue stopped.

Although they couldn’t get the game tied prior to Fox making a bad read that resulted in an easy empty netter for McLeod, the Rangers out-shot the Devils by a combined 31-15 over the final two periods. They did a lot of things well. Pressuring the Devils defensively while driving the net. Something that was nonexistent last spring.

There isn’t much else to add.

I’m left wondering how Laviolette feels about Jimmy Vesey. He’s only played in one game. He was fine in the first one. But what if Barclay Goodrow starts on the fourth line with Nick Bonino and Tyler Pitlick? Does Vesey become an extra forward who plays when Laviolette decides? He’s signed for the year.

Given how much poise Cuylle has played with, he deserves to make the roster. But only if it’s in the top nine. Why can’t he play third line with Vincent Trocheck and either Kakko or Wheeler? You could make the same case for Othmann. But he’s younger. I think he’s likely ticketed for the Wolf Pack.

It’s hard to see where Riley Nash or Jake Leschyshyn fit. Alex Belzile could be a depth forward that is on the shuttle back and forth from Hartford.

Anton Blidh had one of those, oh my God moments. What was he thinking moments. A turnover that left Miller scrambling back. See you later.

I’m not going to get into the numbers game. It’s exhibition. There’s three more to go. But more cuts should be coming. Thank God.

If you are on the Jersey side of the rivalry, you liked what you saw from Luke Hughes and Nemec, who really was impressive. Nemec won’t start the year in Newark. But he could force his way into the conversation by winter.

That’ll do it.