Neither the Islanders nor Rangers had won a game in regulation time since before Christmas entering Saturday’s game at Madison Square Garden. One of them played like they might not do so until Groundhog Day.
Behind a five-point game from Mathew Barzal and three points from Anthony Beauvillier — 20-year-olds born within two weeks of one another in 1997 — the Islanders defeated the Rangers, 7-2, to further tighten the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. Jordan Eberle had four assists for the Isles.
The Rangers (22-16-5) have 49 points. The Islanders (22-18-4) have 48 points. Should be an interesting winter.