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As the free-agency period approaches, all three hockey locals are gearing up.

Game 5 loss to Devils could be a sign that the Rangers are running out of magic.

Sidelined for almost a month, forward Brandon Dubinsky returned to the Rangers lineup for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Devils on Wednesday.

Rangers winger Brandon Prust was suspended one game by the NHL on Sunday after his second-period elbow to the back of Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov's head Saturday.

Rangers tough guy Brandon Prust responded to accusations by Devils coach Pete DeBoer that he was targeting the Devils defenseman's head.

In a heated Hudson River clash that is threatening to become pretty nasty, the gloves were officially dropped Sunday when Rangers coach John Tortorella ripped the Devils, accusing them of selling penalty calls and skirting the rules.

Rangers and Devils will pull no punches in this series -- and that's just the fans.

When asked about Devils coach Peter DeBoer's comments following the Rangers' 4-2 win at Madison Square Garden Monday, Rangers coach John Tortorella delivered a stern, succinct reply: "Shut up."

The players were not the only ones to battle in the Rangers' win over the Devils.

Area NHL players are partnering to promote tolerance and acceptance.