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New York Islanders Rivalry with Rangers Explained

Nov 25, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Fans of the New York Islanders cheer as they score the tying goal in the third period of the game against San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. The San Jose Sharks defeated the New York Islanders with a score of 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Fans of the New York Islanders cheer as they score the tying goal in the third period of the game against San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. The San Jose Sharks defeated the New York Islanders with a score of 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 31, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) high fives fans in the stands prior to the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) high fives fans in the stands prior to the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Hurricanes won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Monopoly of the Market

According to Forbes, the New York Rangers are the most valuable franchise in the National Hockey League. That’s what happens when you’re an original six team playing in one of the largest markets in North America.

You have the luxury of time. Time to cultivate a massive fan base. Time to get your financial house in order because of said fan base. And time to extend your reach outside of your franchise.

And that’s why we hate them.

Eric Vogel
The fact that they always spend in free agency, make relevant moves at the deadline, play in an amazing arena, and own the TV network that we play on.

Farrell Hirsch
The reason to hate them is that you can’t beat them. Even if the Islanders score more goals tonight, the Rangers control the media, they control a larger fan base, they have the more recent cup, the historic arena. Winning feels great but temporary. And on the other hand, the unfortunate truth of sport is that it needs evil like the Rangers to maintain its hold on your psyche.

Jennifer Lapka
They’ve got the label that sells. 99 percent of the time big name or free-agents, in general, are going to choose the Rangers to play for (see Jimmy Vesey, Dan Boyle – not that we care about Boyle but it’s the principle of it). Oh and you know, the whole edge when it comes to refs. Kidding. Mostly.

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