The Islanders and Rangers are going to be quite familiar with each other by the time the NHL’s truncated regular season concludes with the New York rivals playing eight times in a revamped East Division.
That includes back-to-back games at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 14 and 16 to start their seasons. The Islanders then have their home opener against the Bruins on Jan. 18.
The NHL has re-aligned into four divisions — with all play within the division — to limit travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Islanders and Rangers are in a division with the Devils, Bruins, Sabres, Flyers, Penguins and Capitals.