New York Rangers Game Thread: 2/16, Rangers at Islanders
The road trip ends back in New York against the team that the Rangers just can't seem to beat.
Game Fifty-Five, the New York Rangers at the New York Islanders
Record: 33-16-5
Nick Mercadante's Statistical Game Companion
Rangers vs Islanders coverage | Lighthouse Hockey
The Rangers' four game road trip ends tonight against the Islanders in Nassau Coliseum. Coming into tonight's game the Rangers are 3-0-1 in their last four games, which means they have won the first three games of their road trip heading into tonight's game against John Tavares and the Islanders. However, the Rangers have been winning by simply outgunning their opponents lately and I sincerely doubt that will work against a team like the Islanders that has such an outstanding system that hinders the Rangers' ability to move the puck through the neutral zone and get on the attack. The Blueshirts will have to find a different way to win tonight in Long Island. They are going to have to do everything they can to support Cam Talbot and play as crisp and sharp as possible in their own zone. The breakout passes have to be better, the decisions with the puck have to better, and the power play has to do some damage when it gets a chance to make in impact on the game.
Tonight would be a great night for Martin St. Louis to break out of his goal scoring slump, wouldn't it? It would also be great to see Cam Talbot play the way he played against the Coyotes on Saturday night. If Talbot is sharp and the Rangers find a way to break through the Islanders' forecheck, they will come away with a perfect 8 points on their road trip. But if they once again find themselves stymied by the Islanders hustle, system, and depth scoring, they will leave tonight's game with a lump in their throats knowing that they just can't beat this team.
I don't think I need to say anything else to get you guys pumped up for this game. We all know how big these points are and where the Islanders are in the standings. Let's do this, Rangers. Find a way to beat this team.
The New York Rangers' February Schedule
2/2 Panthers at the Rangers, 7:00 PM(win.)2/4 Bruins at the Rangers, 8:00 PM(win.)2/7 Rangers at the Predators, 3:00 PM(loss.)2/8 Stars at the Rangers, 5:00 PM(overtime loss.)2/10 Rangers at the Leafs, 7:30 PM(I guess it was a win)2/12 Rangers at Avalanche, 9:00 PM(win.)2/14 Rangers at Coyotes, 8:00 PM(win.)
2/16 Rangers at Islanders, 7:00 PM
2/19 Canucks at Rangers, 7:00 PM
2/20 Rangers at Sabres, 7:00 PM
2/22 Blue Jackets at Rangers, 7:30 PM
2/24 Flames at Rangers, 7:00 PM
2/26 Coyotes at Rangers, 7:00 PM
2/28 Rangers at Flyers, 8:00 PM
Mike's Player to Watch: Martin St. Louis
It will happen, Marty. Just believe in yourself. I believe in you.
Let's go Rangers! Drop the puck. Go get two points, boys.