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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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Feb 28, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders forward John Tavares (91) get a request from a fan during warmup against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; New York Islanders forward John Tavares (91) get a request from a fan during warmup against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Hatred or Jealousy?

Sometimes it’s difficult to decipher if what you’re feeling towards the Rangers is actual hatred or is it just jealousy?

For some of us, the reason we hate them is just how they view the New York Islanders as a franchise and how little respect we get.

At this point, we’re seemingly forever in their shadow. Heck, the Islanders are one of the only true dynasties to have ever graced the NHL with four Stanley Cups in a row. The Rangers have won just one cup in 75 years, and still, we get no respect.

So are jealous? Probably. Do we hate them because of it. Definitely.

Matt O’Leary
It’s like a sibling rivalry. The Rangers are the old brother and the Isles are looked at as the younger brother. And the Rangers are the favorite. They have the media and a much bigger fan base on their side. So it’s always nice to beat them and take them and their fans down a notch.

Timothy Palladino
I think hating the Rangers is just our thing. We won four cups and they won two since 1940. Besides that, we are always looked at as the team know one cares about. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that their ownership runs the organization well and ours is all over the place?

Michel Anderson
The New York Islanders just don’t get any respect. Look, the Islanders swept the Rangers in the head-to-head last season. Swept! Unfortunately, in order to usurp the Rangers in the popularity ratings, the Islanders are going to have to string a number of winning season and deep playoff runs together. Not seemingly likely with the current iteration of the team.

Which is where my, hatred for the Rangers comes from. It’s just how easy they have it, and how hard we have to work to get a crumb of respectability. Call it hatred or call it jealousy. It boils down to the same thing in the end. The Rangers weren’t supposed to be this good this year. It was our time to be on top. And yet, for no good reason both have reverted to type.

Next: Kulemin on the Trading Block

Maybe one reason we hate the Rangers is something that Timothy touched on: because we’re Islanders fans. It’s just something that defines us and our relationship with the other team in the New York Market. Again, not you Buffalo.

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