By mid-afternoon, there were no metal detectors in place at Madison Square Garden, nor any outward signs of any increased security at the first sporting event to take place in the city since the attack on the World Trade Center nine days ago.

The Garden had steadfastly refused to discuss security plans for last night’s Ranger-Devil exhibition game. A visit to the security office at about 3:30 brought only a no comment and the confiscation of a 2000 Ranger season media badge that had served as admittance into the morning practice.

Otherwise, the mood seemed summed up by one security guard near the box office as he helped direct a steady stream of persons to a Garden-hosted job fair.

“Just a regular Ranger game,” he shrugged. Another said that the number of guards had been increased and that there were plans to check hand-carried bags of fans coming into the World’s Most Famous Arena, a title that as of Sept. 11 began to sound more ominous than flattering.

The area under the pedestrian bridge leading from One Pennsylvania Plaza into Penn Station has been closed since the terrorist attacks. And sources said the garage area was a particular source of concern. But parking was allowed on 33rd Street, as usual. The Rangers were called to a very short meeting after the morning skate to be reassured that the building had been thoroughly checked. The Devils’ bus was given a police escort through the Lincoln Tunnel.