The Isles hit MSG off of back-to-back wins, but we're thinking the Rangers might have a better chance at extending their recent uptick. Yesterday was a comprehensive 4-0 romp past the Preds at MSG behind a Jonathan Quick shutout, but improved recent efforts from Igor Shesterkin in goal suggest he is capable of much the same tonight. Note also that Shesterkin is 2-0 with a 1.50 GAA and .959 saves in two starts against the Isles this season, including a 5-1 win at UBS Arena last Tuesday when stopping 36 of 37 shots. This matchup hasn't worked for the Islanders, outscored 9-3 across two previous losses this term. Play Rangers

The Isles are currently a team stuck in NHL purgatory; a longshot to make the postseason with key players on expiring contracts. Put all that aside for tonight when you play a rival less than a week after losing 5-1 in your own barn. Isles will have some changes to their lineup tonight but this bet is more about fading a Rangers team playing 3rd game in 4 days with what projects as an AHL caliber blue line. Since returning from the 4 nations break, NYR grade out as a bottom five team in xG differential. Igor Shesterkin is the great eraser for NYR in back but I fully expect his Isles counterpart Ilya Sorokin to match him after being pulled in the last meeting