Gritsyuk Impresses as Devils Drop Preseason Opener against Rival Rangers

Published: Sunday, September 21, 2025

by Ryan Fox

NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils preseason hockey opened up at Prudential Center with the iconic Hudson River Rivalry, as the Rangers won by a final score of 5-3 on Sunday afternoon.

New Jersey entered this matchup in hopes of warming up some of their depth players and prospects. Arseni Gritsyuk was looking to make a name for himself in his preseason debut as a Devil after an impressive season in the KHL. Gritsyuk was drafted 129th overall in the fifth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

The first period of play opened up with intense, fast paced play on both sides of the ice. Rangers’ Gabe Perrault found the back of the net after skating right into the slot just five minutes into the game with Casey Fitzgerald grabbing the assist.

Minutes later, New Jersey was sent to their first power play of the night after a two minute minor tripping call from Rangers’ Conor Sheary. The Devils were able to capitalize on this opportunity after an impressive slapshot from defenseman Brian Halonen, handing a pair of assists to Dennis Cholowski and Mike Hardman.

New York found two more powerplay opportunities, but failed to get an opportunity to score after an impressive first period from Devils Goalie Jake Allen. The period concluded knotted at 1-1 with ten shots on goal for New York and nine for New Jersey.

In the second period, New Jersey goalie Nico Daws was sent between the pipes to loosen him up before the regular season begins. New York took advantage quickly after puck drop. Dylan Roobroeck slipped one past Daws, giving Matt Rempe the assist.

The Rangers had a lead less than four minutes into the second period of play. New York answered right back with another one as Sheary fired one into the net on a breakaway, giving them the 3-1 lead halfway through the second.

Minutes after, Rangers’ Scott Morrow sent one past Daws, giving New York a commanding 4-1 lead with Anton Blidh and Noah Laba picking up the assists.

Paul Cotter got one on the board for the Devils with Arseni Gritsyuk getting the assist. The second period of play ended with New York leading 5-2.

The Devils entered the final period of play determined to get back in the game. Overall, New Jersey looked far more confident on both ends of the ice.

After an extremely competitive ten minutes of play without any opportunities for both teams, a scrum ensued between Nathan Légaré and Connor Mackey. Both teams were eager for physicality.

New York was adamant about keeping the lead and New Jersey was determined to get back in the game. Gritsyuk was actively looking for a chance to get his name back on the scoreboard and found that chance after netting a wrist-shot with just one minute to go.

In a postgame interview with Devils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe, when asked about Gritsyuk’s performance he stated “it was a good first game for him, he’s going to play a lot.”

The Devils will now look to pick up their first preseason win on Tuesday against the New York Islanders at 7:00 P.M.

Ryan Fox can be reached at ryan.fox@student.shu.edu 

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