In the second game of a home and home preseason series between Hudson rivals, the New York Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-4 at The Garden. After falling to the Devils 3-1 due in large part to Jeremy Brodeur (29 saves), the Rangers iced more of their starting lineup at home.

That included Victor Mancini and Connor Mackey. Both defensemen are fighting for a spot on the roster. Each made a case to stay on Tuesday night. In the win, Mancini and Mackey scored goals to improve their chances of making it.

Late in the second period, with the game tied, Mancini took a feed from Bo Grouix at the top and then skated into open space and fired a wrist shot from the right circle that beat Devils goalie Isaac Poulter to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead.

In 18:25 of ice time, Mancini had a goal and finished with a plus-2 rating. For a player who doesn’t have much pro experience, he’s continued to look good during training camp. He looks very poised and under control. His skating certainly is an asset. Maybe the Rangers might have something in the 22-year-old 2022 second round pick. At the very least, he’s making it hard on the organization. If they decide to send him down to the Hartford Wolf Pack, it’ll be so he can get more acclimated with the pro style game.

Mackey Helps Himself

A player who’s also competing for a roster spot on the Rangers blue line is Mackey. An older defenseman with valuable experience, he’s been busy during preseason. He had his third fight last night when he dropped the gloves with Nathan Legare early in the second period.

Aside from showing the physicality and toughness he brings, Mackey scored a goal to increase the Rangers’ lead to 4-2. On a play started by Brett Berard on the forecheck, he moved the puck over to Brennan Othmann. Othmann then found an open Mackey for a good wrist shot that went off the crossbar and in. The goal came 28 seconds after Mancini’s goal.

The 28-year-old Mackey isn’t known for his offense. Listed at six-foot three and 205 pounds, he brings some size and plays with an edge. In one appearance for the Blueshirts last season, he fought Brady Tkachuk in a game against the Ottawa Senators. That fight sparked the Rangers to a comeback win on Jan. 27.

At the time, they trailed 2-0. Following the bout with one of the game’s toughest players, the Rangers erupted for five goals. They scored seven unanswered to take the game 7-2. They were a different team following that victory.

Looking back on it, the Rangers weren’t playing well at the time. They’d gone through a tough time in January. They’d lost nine of 13 games. It was the final contest before the All-Star break. Mackey’s scrap against Tkachuk was a turning point. In his only game as a Blueshirt, he took some punches to wake up his teammates. It worked. When they returned from vacation, the Rangers were a different team. They’d go onto win the Presidents’ Trophy, advancing to the Eastern Conference Final before falling to the Florida Panthers in a hard fought six-game series.

Whether or not Mackey makes the current roster depends on how Rangers coach Peter Laviolette and the coaching staff view him. He isn’t the fastest skater. But he’s a left defenseman who capable of filling in on the third pair. With Ryan Lindgren unavailable for next week’s season opener versus the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 9, the organization knows that they’ll need someone to help fill the void. Along with Mancini, Mackey is a good candidate to make the team.

Jones Keeps Rolling Along

If there’s been on constant during camp, it’s been the consistency of Zac Jones. The 23-year-old defenseman has looked good throughout the preseason. A key depth player on the back end in 2023-24, he got into a career high 31 games. That included establishing career bests in goals (2), assists (7), and points (9). Although he didn’t see any action last postseason, Jones’ impressive play was good enough for the organization to let Erik Gustafsson sign with the Detroit Red Wings. Now, he’ll finally get the chance to become a regular.

An extremely smooth skater with good speed, Jones can quickly transition up the ice. A skilled player who isn’t shy about jumping into the rush, the former University of Massachusetts product has demonstrated that in three appearances during exhibition. Playing with confidence, he’s scored and set up goals. That continued against the Devils last night.

With the game scoreless over six minutes into the first period, it was Jones who had his shot from the left point tipped in by Kaapo Kakko for a goal. He made a good read and then got his shot through for Kakko to redirect past Poulter. He picked up the only assist on the scoring play.

With the game knotted at two in the second, Jones picked up a secondary assist on the go-ahead tally from Mancini. He recorded two assists and finished plus-3 in 20:18. That included over two minutes on the power play. At the moment, the coaching staff is looking at K’Andre Miller on the five-on-four. However, don’t expect that to continue once the season begins. Jones is a better offensive weapon, who’s better suited for that role. Figure him to eventually replace Miller on one power play unit.

Othmann Notches a Pair of Assists

In the victory, Othmann notched a pair of assists. Both were primary helpers that set up goals. He made two excellent reads to help create offense.

With the game tied at one in the second, Othmann was in transition with Adam Edstrom. Able to lead Edstrom with a good feed, he allowed the 23-year-old Swede to move in and put in his own rebound for a 2-1 lead. It was all created by Othmann, who is a promising offensive player.

Later in the period, he found an isolated Mackey at the left point for a goal that made it 4-2. Othmann isn’t shy about getting dirty. He’s got some grit to his game along with his skill. That should make him a good player once he reaches the NHL.

If there’s an area he can still improve on, it’s defensively. On a Devils goal scored by Kevin Labanc, he got caught puck watching. For Othmann, he’s likely to start his second pro season with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Without a top nine role, due to Reilly Smith and Kakko filling out the first and third lines, it’s better for his development to play more minutes in the American Hockey League (AHL).

As the year moves along, the organization can assess whether or not he’s ready to make the jump. Much could depend on Kakko. He needs to get off to a good start. Maybe the goal he scored will give him a confidence boost.

Edstrom All But Seals a Spot

By scoring yet another goal, Edstrom all but sealed a spot. He’s continued to use his size well. He also moves well for a big man. That was evident on the goal he scored to give the Rangers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. He has soft hands.

Without Jimmy Vesey, the Blueshirts will start the season with a fourth line that features Sam Carrick and Matt Rempe. Jonny Brodzinski can shift over to play the left side. However, Edstrom’s unique combination of size and skill make him a good fit. There’ll be games when Brodzinski is inserted into the lineup for Rempe. Edstrom looks like a more capable player at this stage. It’ll be worth watching to see how things develop.

Panarin Leaves with Injury

Artemi Panarin made his first appearance since suffering a lower-body injury in a game last week. He didn’t last long. After taking four shifts for 2:25 of ice time, he left the game with an injury.

The Rangers haven’t indicated that it’s anything serious. However, it’s a bit of a concern that twice Panarin’s played in exhibitions and had to leave early. Even more puzzling is why they had to play him in the penultimate game of preseason. The Rangers had more starters in against a Devils B squad that was mostly made up of minor leaguers. It didn’t make much sense for them to play their best player.

With eight days to go before they begin the season in Pittsburgh, it would be wise for the Blueshirts to hold Panarin out of the final preseason match against the Islanders. There’s no point. It’s more important for him to recover and be ready for Game 1 of 82.

Labanc Pots Two for Devils

In a losing cause, Labanc potted two for the Devils. The former San Jose Shark is in on a pro tryout (PTO). A player who once recorded a career best 17 goals and 39 assists for 56 points, the 28-year-old Brooklyn, New York native has shown that he still has the skill that made him a top nine forward.

Labanc added a helper in the defeat for a three-point night. With the Devils main roster already preparing for two games against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, it remains to be seen if they’ll keep him. However, he still looks like a very capable player who can contribute offensively. Perhaps his strong showing will earn him a contract with an NHL team.

The Devils can always keep him around if they feel Labanc is worth having as an extra on the roster. They improved their depth by adding Paul Cotter and bringing back Tomas Tatar and Stefan Noesen. There might not be room for Labanc. He doesn’t belong in the AHL. If he doesn’t get a contract with the Devils, hopefully he signs elsewhere.

Preseason Concludes on Friday

The preseason concludes on Friday. As usual, it’ll be the Rangers and Islanders. Unlike previous years, it’ll be at UBS Arena in Elmont. They used to have the final game between the teams in Bridgeport where the Sound Tigers play. I liked that as it gave other fans a chance to see NHL talent.

Considering that the Rangers don’t play any games at AHL affiliate Hartford despite it being the former arena of the Hartford Whalers, I would’ve preferred the final tuneup be at Bridgeport. Oh well. The days of the little fan getting anything are over. It’s sad.

If you root for our team and attend games at Madison Square Garden, you know how bad it’s gotten. The escalating prices for tickets and food and beverages sums it up. It should be called the World’s Most Expensive Arena. Ever since the renovation, it’s gone downhill. I still enjoy going to games. But they’re becoming a rarity. Especially considering the current state of New York City traffic these days.

At least the much too long preseason is coming to an end. Where else can you find a sport that sees too many star players suffer serious injuries before it even starts? The NFL is on par with the NHL when it comes to that. They at least don’t play all the regulars more than a single game. Patrik Laine won’t even make his debut with the Montreal Canadiens until the winter. He has horrible luck.

If you’re in a fantasy hockey league, which I’m in three, you have to hold your breath. I’m sure Hasan gets the point. Nobody wants to draft players only to see them wind up on the injured list for an extended period. If teams want to prevent such scenarios, limit the amount of games played in September. Most regulars don’t need too many reps to get ready. It’s something to consider moving forward.