Islanders vs. Rangers: Crosstown rivals play with dwindling playoff hopes on the line

The New York Islanders will take on their crosstown rivals, the New York Rangers on Thursday night at UBS Arena with fading playoff hopes on the line.

The Islanders are coming off a disappointing 7-6 overtime loss against the Nashville Predators after blowing yet another third-period lead. The Isles looked in control of the game but ultimately squandered a two-goal lead late in the third period.

The tough loss set the Isles back eight points of the Montreal Canadiens for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. While still mathematically possible to get in, Money Puck gives the Isles a 1% shot of making the playoffs.

As for the Rangers, they are coming off an ugly 8-5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. The Rangers were down 6-4 in the third period. The Rangers closed the gap to 6-5 before allowing two empty-netters.

The Rangers looked gassed in the third period, essentially going through the motions as they attempted to rally with the goalie pulled. It didn’t work out, leading the Rangers to squander an opportunity to make up some ground.

According to Money Puck, the Rangers have a 0.1% chance of making the playoffs. That’s a tough number to swallow considering the Blue Shirts are one year removed from winning the President’s Trophy.

Matchup

Rangers

36-35-7

Islanders

34-32-11

10/04/20257:30 PM ESTESPN+NYI -125 / NYR +105

The game promises to be an entertaining one as the Islanders and Rangers always play for bragging rights. So, hopefully, the Isles will come out with a win on Thursday night.

No changes expected in New York Islanders lineup against Rangers

There are no significant changes expected in the New York Islanders lineup against the Rangers on Thursday night.

The top line will likely remain Bo Horvat centering Anders Lee and Kyle Palmieri. The line has been clicking with Lee leading the team with 28 goals. Topping 30 would be fantastic for the veteran who is in the midst of a resurgent season.

The second line has seemed to gel with JG Pageau being flanked by Maxim Tsyplakov and Simon Holmstrom. Tsyplakov has had a solid rookie season with 34 points in 72 games. While Tsyplakov was expected to produce more than nine goals this season, topping 10 would be a nice milestone.

The bottom six featured Marc Gatcomb who fit in very nicely since being recalled from Bridgeport. Gatcomb has eight goals in 34 games and could be making a case for a more prominent role next season.

Also, veteran grinder Matt Martin has provided heart and soul for the New York Islanders in their fourth line, especially after Anthony Duclair departed from the team. It’s encouraging to have a veteran presence like Martin on the ice, even if it comes at the cost of offensive punch.

However, the question mark remains in goal. Ilya Sorokin left the game against the Predators with an apparent upper-body injury. Patrick Roy stated that the move was precautionary. But there has been no work on Sorokin’s status at the moment.

As it stands, Sorokin is questionable for Thursday night’s tilt against the Rangers. If he can’t go, Marcus Hogberg will get the call.