After Thursday night’s defeat all but ended the Rangers’ playoff hopes, the team will use the last five games if the 2020-21 campaign to look ahead to next season. Brett Howden and Ryan Lindgren suffered injuries last game, and Howden has already been confirmed to be out for the remainder of the season. With five games left in yet another disappointing season without playoff hockey, David Quinn’s squad will be playing out the string over the final week of the season.

The Islanders have already secured a victory in the season series, having already earned ten standings points and a 5-2-0 record compared to the five standings points and 2-4-1 record the Blueshirts have against them. Having been outscored 20-12 in the seven games, and 10-1 in the previous two, just being able to compete with the Islanders tonight would be considered a moral victory.

Player to Watch: Morgan Barron

In the wake of the injuries suffered two nights ago, Tarmo Reunanen and Morgan Barron were recalled from AHL Hartford. Reunanen will be skating in his second NHL contest, having earned an assist in his NHL debut earlier this season. Barron on the other hand will be making his NHL debut. A 2017 6th round pick out of Cornell, Barron made his professional debut with Hartford this season, and was a point per game player for the Wolfpack with a 10-11-21 stat line in 21 games. Look for Barron to buzz around the ice in his first NHL contest.

Enjoy the game!