OPPONENT: New York Islanders

Leading Scorer: John Tavares (3-2-5)

Goaltender: Evgeni Nabokov (First game of the year)

RANGERS LINES:

Derek Stepan-Brad Richards-Marian Gaborik
Brandon Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan
Ruslan Fedotenko-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust
Mike Rupp-Erik Christensen-Mats Zuccarello

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Tim Erixon-Steve Eminger
Michael Del Zotto-Jeff Woywitka

Henrik Lundqvist
Martin Biron

SCRATCHES: Wojtek Wolski (groin), Marc Staal (concussion symptoms), Mike Sauer (shoulder)

PREVIEW: The Rangers came away from Sweden with a ridiculously tough schedule and two points against two tough opponents. They didn’t even lose in regulation, which is always a good thing. Now it’s the upstart Islanders, who have been on fire to start the season. This team is not a push over, especially when they play the Rangers. They live for these six games a year. But let’s remember, although they may not be a playoff team yet, the Islanders are a good young team with a lot of offensive firepower. An already shorthanded Rangers defense will have their hands full.

CRAZY THOUGHT: Woywitka gets a Gordie Howe hat trick.

OPPONENT’S BLOG: Islanders Point Blank

PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Islanders 2

Today’s game is on at 7pm on MSG.  It will be on either AM1050 or AM970 on the radio. A programming note: I have prior commitments and will have to watch the game on DVR tomorrow. The recap will be up then.

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