Game #16: New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers Open Thread
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Fresh off a 4-1 road victory against the Detroit Red Wings, the New York Rangers are back at Madison Square Garden, where, in the month of November, they are still looking for their first home. This will be the first of four times the Rangers see the New York Islanders in the battle of New York this season. The Islanders come into tonight with a record of 6-6-2 as they look to leave The Garden with a winning record.
Igor Shesterkin is back in net for the Rangers after watching last night's game. Connor Mackey has been sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack, which likely means Urho Vaakanainen is healthy after dealing with a lower-body injury.
Player to Watch: Artemi Panarin
Just like clockwork, Panarin shaves his head, and he starts racking up the points. The Breadman had a dominant performance against the Red Wings, finishing with one goal and two assists. Panarin has been at the forefront of the Blueshirts' offensive struggles, and when he gets hot, so does the rest of the team.
Panarin had put up a similar showing earlier in the year against the Montreal Canadiens, finishing with four points. In the seven games in between, he would only record a single goal. If he can return to the steady offensive producer he has been in the past, that may be exactly what the Rangers offense needs.
Enjoy the game!
