The importance of the Islanders 4-2 win over the New York Rangers on Thursday meant more than bragging rights from Manhattan to Montauk.
The Islanders needed the pair of points to keep pace in a tightening Eastern Conference Wild Card and couldn't afford to lose two straight games in regulation. The importance was not lost on Isles, who followed John Tavares' blue-collar effort and outworked the Rangers, finishing the night one point out of the final playoff spot.
BOXSCORE - PHOTO GALLERY
Recap: Islanders 4, Rangers 2
The Islanders grind their way to a 4-2 win over the Rangers