There was no doubt in the players’ minds that the Islanders would put forth a more determined effort on Thursday, home against the Rangers, than they did in their Tuesday drubbing in Toronto.
There was more bite to this one, too. Jason Chimera delivering a few extra post-whistle shoves. The normally unflappable Thomas Greiss chasing after the officials after a bump from Rick Nash as the Rangers pulled within a goal in the third. And Doug Weight spitting fire from the bench after a very brief review to uphold that goal.
“You see the emotion from the guys, that’s what happens when everyone is buying in,” said Nikolay Kulemin, whose shorthanded goal just before Jimmy Vesey’s proved to be the winner in a 4-2 Isles victory.