NY Islanders vs. NY Rangers Preview: Crosstown Rivals Clash at UBS Arena

The New York Islanders and New York Rangers renew their rivalry at UBS Arena on Tuesday night, marking the Rangers’ first visit to Long Island this season.

Islanders Look to Snap Losing Streak

The Islanders enter the game on a three-game skid, most recently falling 4-3 to the Dallas Stars on Sunday. Pierre Engvall, Kyle Palmieri, and Anthony Duclair found the back of the net, while Ilya Sorokin made 25 saves. Despite outshooting Dallas 11-5 in the third period, the Isles couldn’t complete the comeback.

Rangers Riding Momentum

The Rangers are coming off a 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, a game in which they were outshot 39-16. Will Cuylle, J.T. Miller (two goals), Jimmy Vesey (one goal, one assist), and Adam Fox (one goal, one assist) powered the offense, while Igor Shesterkin turned aside 36 shots to secure the victory.

Playoff Push & Season Series

The Islanders trail the season series 0-1-0 after a 5-2 loss to the Rangers on Nov. 3. However, they won the last meeting at UBS Arena, defeating the Blueshirts 4-2 on Apr. 9, 2023.

With both teams in the thick of the Eastern Conference wild card race, every point matters. The Islanders (57 points) sit three points behind the Rangers (60 points) but hold a game in hand. To climb into a playoff spot, the Isles must leapfrog the Rangers, Columbus (62 points), and Boston (61 points), while Detroit (64 points) and Ottawa (62 points) currently occupy the two wild card positions.

Lineup Notes

• Defenseman Adam Boqvist returns to the lineup after sitting out Sunday as a healthy scratch, replacing Scott Mayfield.
• Ilya Sorokin (20-17-4, 2.72 GAA, .907 SV%) gets the start for the Islanders.
• Igor Shesterkin (19-20-2, 2.98 GAA, .903 SV%) is expected to start for the Rangers.