New York Rangers edged out the New Jersey Devils 4-3 at Madison Square Garden, breaking the Devils’ early-season momentum while maintaining their own standing in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
The New York Rangers (2-2-0) defeated the New Jersey Devils (2-0-1) with a final score of 4-3 on Friday night, September 24, at Madison Square Garden. The victory snapped the Devils’ perfect start to the 2026-27 NHL season and highlighted a crucial Metropolitan Division battle where both teams displayed offensive resilience but ultimately fell short or succeeded by narrow margins. The win moves the Rangers into third place in the division, while the Devils remain atop the standings despite the loss.
New York Rangers Performance
The Rangers secured the three points through balanced scoring and timely playmaking, overcoming a resilient Devils squad that refused to yield until the final moments. Will Cuylle led the Rangers’ offensive charge, recording two points including one goal and one assist, serving as a primary catalyst for New York’s attack. Gabe Perreault also contributed significantly to the offensive output, tallying two assists that helped sustain pressure on the Devils’ defense throughout the contest.
This performance was particularly notable given the Rangers’ recent form; they had just concluded a dominant 6-1 road victory against the New York Islanders on September 25, though that game occurred after this rivalry matchup in the provided timeline context. The Rangers demonstrated an ability to capitalize on opportunities against divisional rivals, leveraging their depth to secure a hard-fought win at home. The team’s record of 2-2-0 reflects a volatile early season, but victories like this against top-tier opponents are essential for climbing the Metropolitan Division ladder.
New Jersey Devils Performance
The Devils fought valiantly to preserve their undefeated status but ultimately fell one goal short against a determined Rangers team. Ethan Edwards led New Jersey in scoring with one goal, providing the offense with a crucial spark. Matyas Melovsky was the team’s primary playmaker, recording two assists and finishing with two points, tying him for the Devils’ lead in production. Despite these individual efforts, the Devils could not overcome the Rangers’ offensive surge, resulting in a 4-3 defeat that ended their perfect 2-0-1 start.
The loss carries significant weight for a team currently holding first place in the Metropolitan Division. Every point matters in such a tight race, and dropping a rivalry game against a direct competitor impacts the standings dynamic. The Devils will look to regroup quickly, especially as they face immediate challenges ahead. The organization remains focused on long-term development and structural changes, with recent hires like Jessica Campbell as manager of player development and Bryan McCabe as vice president of prospect personnel signaling a commitment to building depth for the future.
Turning Point
The decisive factor in the game was the Rangers’ ability to outscore the Devils in key moments, driven by the combined efforts of Cuylle and Perreault. While the Devils maintained offensive pressure through Edwards and Melovsky, the Rangers’ secondary scoring and defensive stops proved to be the difference-maker. The game remained tightly contested, but New York’s efficiency in converting chances allowed them to hold off a late Devils push. The margin of victory underscored the importance of execution in high-stakes Metropolitan Division games, where small details often dictate the outcome.
What It Means Next
For the New Jersey Devils, the immediate focus shifts to addressing a significant injury crisis. Six players are listed as
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