We have been pushing like crazy on -1 plays of late, so let's try for an outright win in the battle of NYC. The Islanders are really, really short-handed with defensemen Mike Reilly, Alexander Romanov and Adam Pelech all out as well as top-six forwards Anthony Duclair and Mathew Barzal. The Rangers lead the league in GAA at 2.20 and are fourth in scoring at 3.90 goals per game. The Blueshirts' ’ 91.2 penalty kill percentage ranks tied for first in the NHL. The team has a perfect PK in seven of 10 games this year, including their last four. It has won three straight at home in the series.

The 4-3 win for the Islanders on Friday in Buffalo was important for a couple of reasons, as 1) it snapped a 3-game skid, and 2) it proved the Isles could score goals after being held to a combined one in losses to the Ducks and Blue Jackets. Too soon to rejoice, perhaps, as Patrick Roy has been doing lots of line juggling. and now proceeds minus top gun Matthew Barzal, who has landed on the IR, a scary prospect for a team that has been blanked four times in eleven games. The Rangers have lost a bit of momentum the past week, but note their 39 goals in ten games, compared to 26 in eleven games by the Isles. Play Rangers on Puck Line