The New York Islanders beat the Rangers for their fifth win in a row to continue their surprising final-month rally and stay in third place in the Metro, keeping their playoff hopes within their theoretical control.
With ample redpants-lovers in the house, it was a boisterous atmosphere with competing chants at times. But the Isles rode that energy to make the game’s first statements, opening a 3-0 lead before giving two back in a scary second period.
Things began almost exactly as the Isle would’ve dreamed coming in, but alas, it turns out hockey has a little-known rule that requires you play two and even three periods.