Where We Are: Tim Thomas continued his suck job this season for Boston and the Bruins lost to Buffalo last night, keeping that damned door open for the Blueshirts. That was the B's game in hand so with 75 games played, they have 80 points to the Rangers' 76 (Atlanta has 78 in 76 games played). Philly and Montreal each have 82 points in 76 games so, frankly, any of the five teams could make the playoffs with a decent run to end the season.
Where They Are: In the running for a lotto pick. The Islanders are even with Florida and Tampa (both of whom we play this week) with 72 points - third-worse in the NHL ahead of Toronto (who we play next week) and Edmonton. After losing last Wednesday to the Rangers, the Isles beat Calgary and Columbus to enter this on a win 'streak.'
Who To Watch For: The Islanders scored seven goals in those two wins and they came from seven different players so there is no one hot hand. So keep an eye on the usual suspects in JT, Okposo and Streit as well as Jon Sim, Blake Comeau and Matt Moulson - all of whom step up against the Blueshirts. Dwayne Roloson has made more than 30 saves in six of his last seven starts but, that being said, he played last game so the Rangers could very well face Martin Biron, who got the W against the Flames. What To Watch For: How the Rangers come out without their two biggest sparkplugs in Sean Avery and Ryan Callahan. How the call-ups handle their slots - especially little Corey Locke, who was brought in from Hartford Tuesday. Locke has starred in the AHL (80 points in 73 games) but will be playing just his second NHL game. If Torts is smart and puts the little puck distributor with Marian Gaborik on the power play, perhaps the unit could actually score a goal or two. Perhaps.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: I may not want the Rangers to make the playoffs, but that desire pales in comparison to my loathing for the Isles so how about we go for another five goal explosion? Gabby showing up to dominate. No more good Rangers getting hurt (hey, Wade, that doesn't include you). Chris Drury to recapture his anti-Isles magic. The Islanders tanking for a better shot at the draft lottery.
Also Check Out: Mike the Islesblogger, Dee the obsessed Isles 7th Woman (she has another at Eklund's site but I won't link that place), Chris Botta's Point Blank and Lighthouse Hockey, SBN's Isles blog.
"Peepin' Foes: New York Islanders - The Battle for Supremacy in the Big Apple"
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders is one of the most storied and passionate in NHL history. These two teams share not only the same state but also the same metropolitan area, creating a fierce competition known as the "Battle of New York." In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the New York Islanders, exploring their history, recent successes, key players, and frequently asked questions about the team.
Chapter 1: A Rich History
The New York Islanders have a rich history that includes four consecutive Stanley Cup championships in the early 1980s. We'll delve into their rise to prominence and the impact it had on Long Island hockey culture.
Chapter 2: Recent Resurgence
In recent years, the Islanders have experienced a resurgence under the guidance of head coach Barry Trotz. This chapter discusses their return to playoff contention and the development of a competitive roster.
Chapter 3: Key Players
The Islanders boast a roster filled with talented players. We'll spotlight some of their key contributors, including Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee, and Ryan Pulock, and examine their roles in the team's success.
Chapter 4: The Battle for Playoff Glory
The rivalry between the Rangers and Islanders extends to the playoffs, where they have met in numerous intense matchups. We'll revisit some of these memorable postseason clashes.
Chapter 5: Home Advantage
The Islanders' move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and then to the new UBS Arena on Long Island has had an impact on the team's identity and fan base. We'll explore the significance of these moves.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What are the key factors behind the Islanders' recent resurgence under Barry Trotz?
A1: Barry Trotz's coaching expertise, a commitment to defensive play, strong goaltending, and the development of young talent have all played crucial roles in the Islanders' resurgence.
Q2: How does the rivalry between the Rangers and Islanders compare to other NHL rivalries?
A2: The Rangers-Islanders rivalry is among the fiercest in the NHL due to the proximity of the teams and the passionate fan base in the New York metropolitan area.
Q3: What can fans expect from future matchups between the Rangers and Islanders?
A3: Future matchups promise intense and competitive hockey, with both teams vying for supremacy in the Big Apple. The rivalry is likely to continue delivering memorable moments.
The New York Islanders are a vital part of the NHL's landscape, and their rivalry with the New York Rangers adds to the league's drama and excitement. As both teams strive for success and aim to claim the hearts of New York hockey fans, the Battle of New York remains a captivating and enduring chapter in the NHL's history. Whether you're a die-hard Islanders supporter or a Rangers loyalist, this rivalry is a testament to the passion and devotion that fans bring to the game of hockey.
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