Last year’s season sweep of their crosstown rivals ended abruptly in October when the New York Islanders lost their first meeting of the season with the Rangers on Broadway.
Some measure of revenge was achieved in December when the Islanders won at home, 4-2, with since-demoted Jaroslav Halak in goal.
Tonight is part three of the 2016-17’s four-chapter battle, with the Isles needing this one at home much more than their visiting Smurf rivals.
Thanks to a blowout loss in Toronto this week, the Islanders are again three points behind the Maple Leafs for the final wild card position.