Tonight’s game with the Devils at Madison Square Garden gives Rangers coach Alain Vigneault and his staff another chance to evaluate players on offense, defense, special teams and in goal.
It’s an important time to make an impression, because crunch time for many of the hopefuls will come in the next few games.
Five key Rangers — Henrik Lundqvist, Mats Zuccarello, Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller, all selected for the World Cup — haven’t set a foot on the ice and have locked up roster spots. At least four of them, who are back in the area, are expected to play the sixth and final game on Oct.