The Islanders have another chance to get one over on their cross-river rivals as they visit the Rangers in Manhattan for a matinee today.
The Rangers followed the loss to the Isles with a loss to the Flyers, so they are smarting and looking to bounce back on track. The Isles are chasing a playoff spot while the Smurfs are chasing a division title and President’s Trophy. Ironically, a regulation result in either direction could increase the chances of these teams meeting in the first round of the playoffs.
It should be a hotly contested one, given the stakes for both teams and the hurt feelings for the Rangers after “vicious” hits by Noah Dobson and Adam Pelech.