Standings: Islanders (11-4-6), Rangers (19-8-4)

Leading Scorer: John Tavares (10-16-26)

Goaltender: Evgeni Nabokov (9 GP, 2.65 GAA, .918 SV%)

Rangers Lines (probable):

Artem Anisimov-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan
Brandon Dubinsky-Brian Boyle-John Mitchell
Ruslan Fedotenko-Mike Rupp-Brandon Prust

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
Tim Erixon-Stu Bickel

Martin Biron rumored starter.

Scratches/Injuries: Marc Staal (concussion symptoms), Wojtek Wolski (groin), Mike Sauer (concussion), Sean Avery (healthy), Erik Christensen (healthy), Jeff Woywitka (foot – game time decision)

Preview: The Islanders have struggled in pretty much every facet of the game this season. It seems like they’re in a perennial state of rebuilding. Their special teams aren’t very special, they don’t have much offense after the first line, and their defense is mediocre at best. Their only strength is probably their goaltending. However, Montoya is injured, DP hasn’t been a great goalie since 2003, and Nabokov appears to only be trade bait.

At their best they are still a very quick team transition team and if we turn the puck over along the boards in the neutral zone it can come back to bite us in the rear. If we play our game and avoid the chirping that’s likely to come, then this game should be a win every day of the week. With that said, it’s Rangers/Islanders and everything seems to go out the window when these two teams meet. Hopefully the Rangers stick to their game and get the job done.

Crazy Thought: A period without penalties

Opponent’s Blog: NY Islanders Fan Central

Game time tonight is 7pm on MSG, AM1050 and XM214.

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