Game Preview: Islanders vs. Rangers

New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers

"The intensity of the game, the pace of the actual game and playing in them always still have a playoff-like feel," John Tavares said. "Both fanbases are very passionate, very intense, very vocal and very much into the game. As players we feed off that and it's very fun to play in."
Last season the Islanders swept the season series from the Rangers for the first time in franchise history. That's a point of pride for Tavares, who has 13 goals and 33 points in 36 career games against the Rangers, even if a season-opening loss at MSG means the Islanders can't repeat it.
The Islanders took both games against the Rangers at Barclays Center last season and the players are looking forward to the derby-like crowd with dueling chants and fans.
"Every time we play these guys it's always a fun atmosphere," Anders Lee said. "I love hearing the crowds go back and forth and the chants. Anytime you score against the Rangers, you remember those ones too. It's a fun rival."

Islanders Riding Four-Game Point Streak:

The Islanders are 3-0-1 in their last four games, picking up seven of eight points along the way. The Islanders have scored three goals in regulation in three straight, after going eight games without hitting that mark.
The penalty kill has been perfect over the four games, going 10-for-10 over that span.

Islanders Players Getting Hot:

Josh Bailey is riding a five-game point streak (1G, 4A), while Tavares has five points (1G, 4A) in his last five games. Anders Lee has five goals in his last six games and Johnny Boychuk has three points (2G, 1A) in his last three games.

Michael Grabner Out For Rangers:

Michael Grabner will miss Tuesday's Islanders-Rangers game to attend his grandmother's funeral in Austria. Grabner is having his best goal-scoring season since 2013 with 13 goals through 26 games.
The Rangers recalled forward Marek Hrivik, 25, from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Monday. Hrivik leads Hartford with 17 points and is tied for the lead with eight goals.