Peepin' Foes: New York Islanders

The Blueshirts come off Deadline Day with a huge game at the Mausoleum against the Islanders. I attempted to get in to the blog box, but apparently they don't welcome many writers who openly say that their team is garbage and belongs in Kansas City. Geez, I just don't get it. EDIT- With the playoff prices coming out and my impending trip to go see the Blueshirts play the Habs in two weeks, I am blowing this one off. Woo hoo! A night with Joe Micheletti. Can't wait.

Where We Are: Say what you want about the last three games (or that four game stint way back when), but this marks the first real game of John Tortorella's Ranger career. He has had four days of practice time to teach the majority of his players the system. The three newbies - Avery, Morris and Borat - should get limited action (if they play at all) and all three are professional hockey players so they should just be able to step on the ice and play. While other folks have called some games prior "must win," in my opinion this is the first must win of the year. It needs to be a statement, it needs to be high scoring and it needs to get the ball rolling if the Blueshirts plan on making it into the playoffs.

Where They Are: Do not be fooled by the Bridgeport roster, the Islanders are more dangerous than ever. Yes, they lost their captain. Yes, their top goaltender is out for the year (woo hoo!). Yes, they will likely dress just three players with more than 300 NHL games (Dean McAmmond, Radek Martinek and Trent Hunter). But that means that they are younger, dumber (fearless) and playing for their NHL lives. How they do on the stretch run will decide if they will make the team next season. Richard Park, Doug Weight, DP, Freddy Meyer, Andy Sutton and Mike Sillinger are all out with injury and Brendan Witt is still suspended for his stupid drive-by elbow last week.

Who To Watch For: The Islanders were gushing over Jesse Joensuu after the Finn scored a goal in his debut during the Isles 4-2 win over the Aves (I told you Colorado was terrible). Swiss miss Mark Streit is proving that last season's scoring binge wasn't a fluke and is leading the Isles in points. He is everything Wade Redden isn't on the power play, namely capable. Sean Bergenheim has four goals in his last five games - two game winners and a shortie among them. And I always enjoyed rooting for Dean Mac - he was always the hard-working underdog kind of guy who every team needs and yet is rarely appreciated. If he doesn't retire after this season or meet with Steve Downie or Chris Pronger again, he will hit 1,000 NHL games next season. Good for him.

What To Watch For: Will Sean Avery (should he indeed dress) be a sideshow or a valuable member of the team? Will the Rangers be able to jump on the Isles early like they did the Avs on Saturday? Will the Rangers play down to the Islanders level? Will Isles goaltender Yann Danis stand on his head like he did against the Devils last week? Will the few Islander fans in the crowd be dumb enough to get drunk and pick fights with the Ranger fans?

What We'll (Hopefully) See: A statement that the players wearing Blueshirts are proud to be Rangers and want to make the playoffs.

Also Check Out: Mike the Islesblogger is a good guy rooting for the wrong team, the sweet-looking Dee is actually the obsessed Isles 7th Woman and of course Chris Botta is all over the Isles at Point Blank, he does get paid by them after all.

 Peepin' Foes: New York Islanders - A Rivalry Rooted in History

In the world of sports, rivalries add an extra layer of excitement and intensity. For fans of the New York Rangers, one of the fiercest and most storied rivalries is with the New York Islanders. This matchup between the two NHL teams, both based in the New York metropolitan area, has a history filled with drama, unforgettable moments, and passionate fan engagement. In this article, we'll dive into the rich history of the Rangers-Islanders rivalry, explore key moments, and answer frequently asked questions about this iconic clash.

A Tale of Two Franchises

The New York Islanders, founded in 1972, are the younger of the two franchises compared to the Original Six Rangers. However, the rivalry between these teams developed quickly and passionately. Here's a closer look at the historical context:

Suburban vs. Manhattan: The rivalry symbolizes a classic clash between city and suburb. The Rangers, based in Manhattan's Madison Square Garden, represent the urban core, while the Islanders, who originally played in Nassau County on Long Island, embody the suburban spirit.

Championship Showdowns: The 1980s saw both teams at their peak. The Islanders secured four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, while the Rangers, fueled by their passionate fanbase, were determined to claim their own championship glory.

Unforgettable Moments

The Rangers-Islanders rivalry has produced numerous iconic moments that live on in the annals of NHL history. Here are a few that stand out:

The Easter Epic: In 1987, the Rangers and Islanders faced off in a playoff game that lasted until the early hours of Easter Sunday. Pat LaFontaine scored the game-winner for the Islanders in the fourth overtime period, making it one of the longest games in NHL history.

Fights and Brawls: Rivalries often feature intense physicality, and the Rangers-Islanders rivalry is no exception. Legendary brawls, including the "Battle of New York" in 1990, added extra spice to their matchups.

Denis Potvin Sucks: Islanders defenseman Denis Potvin was a target of Rangers fans' disdain. The famous "Potvin Sucks" chant at Madison Square Garden is a testament to the intensity of the rivalry.

2014 Playoff Series: In a more recent playoff showdown, the Rangers defeated the Islanders in a thrilling seven-game series during the 2013-2014 NHL season. The rivalry remained as fierce as ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this rivalry limited to the players, or do the fans get involved too?

The fans are an integral part of this rivalry. They bring passion and intensity to every game, creating an electric atmosphere at both teams' arenas.

What is the significance of the "Potvin Sucks" chant?

The chant is a taunt directed at Denis Potvin, a Hall of Fame defenseman for the Islanders. It's become a tradition for Rangers fans and is meant to rile up both players and fans of the opposing team.

Have the Islanders and Rangers ever faced each other in the Stanley Cup Finals?

While they've had intense playoff matchups, the Rangers and Islanders have never met in the Stanley Cup Finals. However, their playoff battles are among the most memorable in NHL history.

Is the rivalry as intense today as it was in the past?

While the nature of sports rivalries evolves, the Rangers-Islanders rivalry remains strong. The games are still hotly contested, and the passion of the fans continues to fuel the fire.

The Rangers-Islanders rivalry is a testament to the enduring passion of sports fans and the unique dynamics of New York's hockey scene. It's a rivalry that transcends generations, filled with unforgettable moments, heated confrontations, and, most importantly, a deep-seated love for the game. Whether you're a die-hard Rangers fan or a fervent supporter of the Islanders, there's no denying the special place this rivalry holds in the hearts of hockey enthusiasts in the New York metropolitan area and beyond.