Islanders Face Rangers in Night of Rivalry at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, NY – The New York Islanders will take on their crosstown rivals, the New York Rangers, on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden (MSG). The game is scheduled to start at 7 PM. The Islanders are hoping to bounce back after a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild the previous night.

The Islanders’ recent struggles have seen them drop to a 1-7-1 record in their last nine games against the Wild. In contrast, the Rangers secured a convincing 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, with Artemi Panarin leading with three points, including a goal and two assists.

Max Tsyplakov will make his return to the Islanders’ lineup, filling in for Kyle MacLean. Tsyplakov has scored one goal in eight games this season, making his first appearance since October 30. Ilya Sorokin is set to start in goal for the Islanders, holding a 3-4-2 record this season and a career mark of 3-6-2 against the Rangers.

For the Rangers, Igor Shesterkin is expected to be in goal after Jonathan Quick played against the Red Wings. Shesterkin has a 4-5-2 record this season and has found success against the Islanders, winning five straight starts against them.

This matchup is the first between the two teams this season. The Islanders are looking to improve upon their troubled history against the Rangers, having not won in their last five encounters, with their last victory dating back to April 9, 2024.

Both teams are entering the game after playing the second half of back-to-back games. The Islanders achieved a victory in their previous second game of a back-to-back this season.

Anders Lee and Bo Horvat are players to watch, with Horvat leading the Islanders this season with 16 points. Meanwhile, defenseman Adam Fox is leading the Rangers with 11 points.

The rivalry promises an electric atmosphere as both teams seek a critical victory early in the season.