New York Islanders And Rangers Have A Hated Rivalry, But Tonight Means More

There have been many incredible moments in the rivalry between the Islanders and Rangers, but tonight’s game will feature the here and now in 2015.

If you are a New York hockey fan then you’re well aware of what is going down tonight.

For the past few days the media has steam rolled with top lists of greatest moments, best games and anything that can be thought up between the New York Islanders and Rangers at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Yes, tonight is the final regular season matchup for the two crosstown rivals at the barn.

If you’re a fan of either team, chances are you have some fond (and not so fond) memories of the two teams playing one another on Long Island.

For example, I was there in the 200 section not too far from Tommy Salo when he was brutally beaten by Dan Cloutier.  I think it was seventeen unanswered punches which was tough to watch as an Islanders fan.

Regardless off the moment, tonight means more than just a rivalry, and for the Isles it will be enormous.

The return of Kyle Okposo after missing 22 games with a detached retina means the Islanders are sending out pretty much the team that they will got to war with for the remainder of the season and playoffs.  Mikhail Grabovski (upper body injury) is currently the only player out because of injury that the team would add to their lineup.

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These two points are beyond needed by both clubs, the fact this is the final regular season game they will see one another and the significance behind it has elevated how crucial the win is for both.

The Isles, even with four games in hand can taste taking the Metropolitan division.  Last night’s comeback win must be an adrenaline shot for a team that is in need to start stringing up consecutive victories.

Tonight, two points for the Islanders is more than just swatting the Rangers off their backs, it’s a much-needed message that they want it that bad.

The Rangers know the last time they came into the Coliseum they found a way to come back and put a dent in the confidence the Isles had over them.  Currently the Rangers have one regulation loss in their past fourteen games (10-1-3) and have not haven’t missed a beat without goalie Hernrik Lundqvist.

The Blueshirts also went out and made bold moves at the trade deadline, and the time is right now for them as a franchise.  Two points will put the Blueshirts all over the Isles.  An all out blowout will pretty much erase the Islanders owning the season series this year.

The past between the two clubs will forever be with us at the Barn, but tonight’s significance remains about the here and now.

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