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New York Islanders 2019 Metropolitan Division Preview: New York Rangers

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 02: A fan holds a sign during the game between the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on February 02, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Kings 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 02: A fan holds a sign during the game between the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on February 02, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Kings 4-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 26: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders misses a deflection attempt during the second period against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on September 26, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Are They Better?

Over the last three years, the New York Islanders have lost three times to the Rangers. That dominance won’t likely last again this season. The Rangers will certainly be more competitive than they were in previous years.

But the rebuild isn’t over just yet. The Rangers still have weaknesses.

Again, their spine isn’t very strong. Zibanejad is a good center. But he’s a good second line on a good team, not a top-line center. From Zibanejad the Rangers center depth chart takes a hit with Filip Chytil, Ryan Strome, and Brett Howden.

That’s not a winning spine. But then again, we had our doubts about the Islanders center depth last season. And look how that turned out.

Goaltending is another area of concern for the Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist is regressing. Over the last three seasons, Lundqvist has averaged a 2.93GAA and 0.911SV%. At 37 years old we knew the day would come when Henrik Lundqvist would no longer be the same and it seems like the time has come.

His protegee, 23-year-old Alexandar Georgiev has played a total of 43 NHL games averaging a 2.96GAA and 0.915SV%. Those aren’t bad numbers at all, but to say he’s a good number one goalie is still a stretch.

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The New York Rangers will be better in 2019-20, but they still have big holes in their roster. The rebuild isn’t done just yet. The New York Islanders won’t enjoy the same dominance they’ve grown accustomed to over the last three years.

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