Key Rangers takeaways after 3-2 loss to Devils in preseason opener

The New York Rangers suffered a 3-2 preseason loss to the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Monday. While the game was ultimately unimportant, there is a more significant concern for the Rangers. Forward Adam Sykora suffered a lower-body injury early in the first period after being checked by Devils defenseman Mikael Diotte.

Sykora left the game and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Coach Mike Sullivan stated that the Rangers' medical staff was still evaluating Sykora. Additionally, defenseman Vincent Iorio was also being evaluated for a legal body check (LBI). The 23-year-old played just 15 shifts in the game, totaling 11:52 on the ice.

Neither Sykora nor Iorio were expected to start in the opening-night game, but their absence represents a significant blow to the Rangers' depth. The team largely dressed a junior varsity squad for the game, with veteran players Justin Dowling, Jussi Parssinen, Urho Vaakanainen, Anton Blidh, and Liam Greentree seeing action. Parssinen and Dowling were key contributors, with Parssinen recording six hits and 16:30 of ice time, while Dowling nearly scored but had his shot blocked.

Veteran Anton Blidh also made an impact, scoring the Rangers' first goal and recording a hit. The Rangers' defensemen were active in the offensive zone, with Scott Morrow and Vincent Iorio (once healthy) standing out. Dylan Garand, the Devils' goaltender, was the standout performer for the Devils, earning Third Star of the Game honors.