The Rangers and Islanders kick off New York rivalry week with their first ever contest at the Barclays Center in Wednesday. Friday, the Knicks and Nets meet while on Sunday, it's the Jets and Giants. But Wednesday, the long term rivals add a new chapter to their history with the contest in Brooklyn.
The Islanders come in hot having gone 3-0-1 in their past four. The Rangers were able to end a three-game losing streak by barely holding on to defeat the 'Canes 4-3 at MSG on Monday. Health is a major concern for the Rangers entering this game, having lost Derek Stepan (4-to-6 weeks) and Kevin Klein (2-to-3 weeks) in the past week. The Islanders come in relatively healthy, having gotten back Thomas Hickey while also calling back up Ryan Strome from the AHL.
The 'little' brother would love nothing better than to take it to 'big' brother Wednesday. The move to Brooklyn put the two teams in even closer proximity to each other. This means that the two squads are fighting somewhat for the same fanbase. When the Isles were on LI, most of their support came from those out on the Island, either in Nassau or Suffolk County. Now with the team in Brooklyn, the borough residents from either Manhattan or Brooklyn have an easier commute, as a game is just a train away. That enables, or so is the organization's hope, the Isles to draw on a bigger population base. So while the game is not only a divisional one, it has the bigger backdrop to it than just being an individual contest.
With Stepan out, the forward lines will be the same as they were Monday. Oscar Lindberg as well as Chris Kreider, each of whom scored against Carolina, will each need to step up again. One key match up for me will be to see who the fourth line goes up against, as you would think that they will face the Tavares trio, though the Nielsen line would be a tough one as well.
Rick Nash, Derick Brassard, Mats Zuccarello Chris Kreider, Oscar Lindberg, Jesper Fast JT Miller, Kevin Hayes, Viktor Stalberg Dominic Moore, Jarret Stoll, Emerson Etem (Update at 11:30, Etem is ill so Tanner Glass has been called up. In explaining the rationale for calling up Glass, AV said: "the Islanders have a physical game, they play a hard game, and Glasser helps us in that area." So figure Glass just slides in replacing Etem, making the fourth line Moore-Stoll-Glass)
With Klein out, Dylan McIlrath opts back in. He is expected to be paired with Yandle, and as I have said the past few blogs, I hope that it allows Yandle to use his strengths; his ability to carry and rush the puck to create chances. With Klein out, that means that McD-G are back together. While in the past this match up might have been one the Isles look to avoid or focus on targeting others, their struggles might mean that the Isles put either the Tavares or Nielsen lines against it. If not, they still could impose their will by matching up either line against the Staal-Boyle duo, especially seeing Staal's difficulties this year.
Rangers-Islanders, Wednesday night, Barclays Center. A future playoff match up would take the rivalry to the next level. For now, we will have to just settle for the first subway component of their history.