3 major takeaways from New York Rangers' 3-1 preseason loss vs New Jersey Devils 

The New York Rangers fell to the New Jersey Devils 3-1 on Monday night at Prudential Center. The Rangers entered the night undefeated during the preseason. However, the two goals in the first period proved to be the difference as New York could not overcome the deficit.

Brian Halonen, Nathan Legace and Kevin Labanc scored for New Jersey, while Anton Blidh got the Rangers on the board with a late goal in the third period.

Here’s a closer look at three major takeaways from Monday night’s preseason tilt between the Rangers and Devils.

3 major takeaways from New York Rangers' preseason loss vs New Jersey Devils

#3. Rangers lost the battle of non-roster players

In essence, both clubs iced lineups consisting primarily of non-roster players. New York did not feature any players expected to be on the opening right roster except for Jonathan Quick who got the start in goal.

Overall, the Rangers held their own. They outshot New Jersey 30-28 while controlling the play with a much more physical approach. The Rangers also outhit the Devils 27-21, making it tough for the Devils to get anything going.

#2. Rangers could not solve Jeremy Brodeur

Jeremy Brodeur was on fire against the Rangers. He made 29 saves, but one in particular stood out. With less than two minutes left in the third, the New York Rangers got a two-on-one. As the pass came across the high slot, Brodeur made an acrobatic save by doing the splits and robbing the Rangers of a goal.

Had the Rangers scored, the game would have been 2-1 heading into the second intermission. Instead, Brodeur shut the door and kept the game 2-0 for New Jersey.

#1. Rangers' power play faltered

The Rangers’ power play went 0-for-6 on the night. The lack of production with the man advantage was the ultimate difference between pulling out a win and going home with the loss.

The Devils’ penalty, especially Brodeur, deserves credit as they shut down the Rangers when it mattered most. It was the Devils’ power play that clicked, with Kevin Labanc scoring in the third, making it 3-0.

Had the Rangers had their top power-play unit, the club likely wouldn’t have gone 0-for-6 on the night. In the meantime, Rangers’ fans will hope their top power play will not struggle as much.

Both clubs face each other again on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.