12/26/11 Rangers vs. New York Islanders

But I didn't get to shake my belly like a bowl full of jelly!

Rangers against the New York Islanders.

The Rangers meet for the four time already this season. All three of the previous match ups between these teams this season have ended in a score of 4-2, the Islanders taking the first one, and the Rangers taking the latest two. The Rangers have been riding high lately, beating three division rivals before the break for Christmas. The Rangers started by beating the Devils, then the Islanders, and Flyers in a back-to-back series to cap off their first quarter for the season. The team has gelled in the midst of losing much of their defense, but some light has been shed on the Rangers situation as defensive cornerstone Marc Staal was cleared for contact today after being shelved for the entire season so far with a concussion. And with the defense taking a toll, the defense and goaltending of the Rangers has really stood strong to pick up some of the slack. Marian Gaborik leads the league with 21 goals, and Henrik Lundqvist and Marty Biron have done their best to keep games close.



The Islanders have been streaky once again, losing their last two. Players like Matt Moulson have been doing all that they can to keep the Islanders going strong, but there are way too many holes in the lineup that so many goals cannot fill. But that does not make the Islanders a team to count out right from the start. They've beaten the Rangers earlier this season, so there is absolutely no reason for the Rangers to sit back and wait for the Islanders. The Rangers need to be aggressive right from the get-go once again to set the tone of the game the way they want to if they want to win their fifth in a row.

The Diagnosis


When the Rangers played their three division rivals before the Christmas break, the intensity they showed was through the roof. If they want to win their fifth in a row tonight against the Islanders, they're going to need to bring that fire they had in all of those games. They are in second place in the conference, but that a does not mean they can take their foot off the gas, even for just one game against the Islanders.

The Prediction


To go along with trend, In going to go with Rangers winning 4-2.

Brandon Prust will get the initial goal for the Rangers early in the 1st.
Matt Moulson will score the first goal for the Islanders also in the 1st.
PA Parenteau will get the final Islanders goal at the start of the 2nd.
Brian Boyle will score the second Rangers goal shortly after.
Marian Gaborik will get the third Rangers goal in the 3rd.
And finally, Derek Stepan will get the empty-netter to win the game.

Enjoy the game!