**UPDATE : Panarin not in the lineup due to Roster Management**
The New York Rangers lace up tonight for a classic Metropolitan Division showdown against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, tipping off at 7:00 p.m. ET (some listings note 7:30 p.m. puck drop). The game airs on MSGSN and MSG 2, with national streaming options on ESPN+ in select markets.The Rangers (22-25-6, 50 points) head into this one struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, amid a season that’s seen them pivot toward a retool under GM Chris Drury. Trade buzz swirls around key pieces like Artemi Panarin (still producing at a high level despite the team’s woes), Vincent Trocheck, and young defenseman Braden Schneider, with the deadline looming in early March. Recent moves have included recalls like Connor Mackey and a focus on youth integration, with projected lines featuring J.T. Miller centering Mika Zibanejad and Gabe Perreault on the top unit. Igor Shesterkin remains the backbone in net, but the blue line and secondary scoring have been inconsistent. The team is coming off a tough stretch, looking to salvage points in a rivalry that always brings extra intensity.The Islanders (28-19-5, 61 points) are having a stronger campaign, sitting higher in the Metro and playing solid, structured hockey under their coaching staff. They’re riding home-ice advantage at UBS Arena, where they’ve been tough to play against. Defenseman Carson Soucy has been a physical presence and spoke to the media about the matchup’s importance. Expect the Isles to lean on their forecheck, penalty kill, and goaltending to grind out results against a divisional foe. This Battle of New York always delivers fireworks—physical play, big hits, and plenty of emotion from the Battle of the Boroughs. The Rangers have had success in recent meetings at times, but the Islanders’ current form and home crowd could make this a challenge. Betting lines have the Isles as slight favorites (around -130 to -150 moneyline), with the over/under sitting in the 5.5-6 range depending on the book.
Injuries and lineup notes:
Check pre-game updates for any scratches or activations, but both teams appear relatively healthy entering the night, with the Rangers potentially mixing in younger players as part of their retool.
Prediction:
Islanders edge it in a low-scoring, gritty affair, 3-2, capitalizing on home ice and defensive structure. But if the Rangers’ skill guys (Panarin, Zibanejad) connect early, they could steal a road point or two in overtime. Let’s go Rangers—time to show some fight in this rivalry clash!
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