Rangers’ hot start will have to go through familiar tormentor

The New York Rangers look to continue their strong start to the season on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils and star forward Jack Hughes. Hughes has historically dominated the rivalry, recording 35 points in 26 regular-season games against New York. Head coach Mike Sullivan emphasized the need to contain Hughes' speed and dynamic puck-handling to limit his scoring opportunities in the first edition of the Battle of the Hudson.

New York entered Wednesday second in the Eastern Conference with 12 points, having won five consecutive home games. Meanwhile, the Rangers adjusted their power-play unit in practice, moving recent $77 million acquisition Pavel Dorofeyev to the bumper spot to boost his scoring. In roster moves, center Justin Dowling was recalled while 20-year-old Cole Beaudoin was assigned to the AHL.