The New York Rangers (22-25-6) face the New York Islanders (28-19-5) in a Metropolitan Division rivalry matchup as the Rangers look to snap a three-game losing streak against an Islanders team aiming to solidify their playoff positioning. The Rangers, sitting 7th in the Metropolitan, have struggled with defensive inconsistencies but boast strong offensive firepower from their top line. The Islanders, 3rd in the division, rely on elite goaltending and balanced scoring but have shown vulnerability on the road. This game could hinge on special teams and goaltending, with potential for a high-scoring affair if the Rangers’ offense clicks or a low-scoring grind if the Islanders’ defense locks in.
Venue Location
The game will be played at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. This 17,250-capacity arena, opened in 2021, is the home of the Islanders and known for its modern amenities and passionate fanbase during rivalry games like the “Battle of New York.”
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM GMT on January 29).
Recent Team Forms
The Rangers have been inconsistent, posting a 4-5-1 record in their last 10 games with a -4 goal differential. They’ve lost three straight, including a 4-2 defeat to the Devils on January 26, averaging 2.8 goals per game while allowing 3.2. Artemi Panarin (25 goals) and Mika Zibanejad (20 goals) lead the offense, with solid power play (22%) but penalty kill issues (78%).
The Islanders are surging, going 7-2-1 in their last 10 with a +10 goal differential. They’ve won four of their last five at home, including a 3-1 victory over the Penguins on January 25, averaging 3.2 goals per game while conceding 2.2. Mathew Barzal (18 goals, 30 assists) and Bo Horvat (22 goals) anchor the attack, with elite penalty kill (88%) but power play struggles (18%).
| Team | Last 10 Record | Goals For (Avg) | Goals Against (Avg) | Streak |
| New York Rangers | 4-5-1 | 2.8 | 3.2 | L3 |
| New York Islanders | 7-2-1 | 3.2 | 2.2 | W1 |
Injury Report
Injuries are impacting both teams, particularly the Rangers’ defense.
New York Rangers:
Filip Chytil (C, upper body): Day-to-day; limited in practice but expected to play.
Kaapo Kakko (RW, knee): Out 2-4 weeks; placed on IR in mid-January.
Overall: Two forwards affected, thinning depth but top line intact.
New York Islanders:
Mathew Barzal (C, lower body): Questionable; game-time decision after missing practice.
Adam Pelech (D, shoulder): Out indefinitely; defensive depth hit.
Overall: Potential absence of key forward, but core (Horvat, Nelson) healthy.
Key Player Matchups
This divisional rivalry features key battles across the ice.
Artemi Panarin (Rangers LW) vs. Mathew Barzal (Islanders C): Panarin’s scoring (25 goals) vs. Barzal’s playmaking (18 goals, 30 assists) – if Barzal plays.
Mika Zibanejad (Rangers C) vs. Bo Horvat (Islanders C): Zibanejad’s two-way play (20 goals) challenged by Horvat’s net-front presence (22 goals).
Chris Kreider (Rangers LW) vs. Noah Dobson (Islanders D): Kreider’s power-play goals (12) vs. Dobson’s puck-moving (40 assists).
Goaltending: Igor Shesterkin (Rangers) vs. Ilya Sorokin (Islanders): Shesterkin’s .915 SV% vs. Sorokin’s .920 SV%.
Key X-Factor: Brock Nelson (Islanders C) could exploit Rangers’ defensive gaps with his scoring (20 goals).
Series History
The Islanders lead the all-time series 149-147-19-18 in 333 meetings. New York has won 3 of the last 5, including a 4-3 overtime victory in 2025. Average total goals: 5.6, with overs hitting in 3 of 5. In Elmont, the Islanders are 3-2 in the last 5 vs. Rangers.
| Last 5 Head-to-Head Games | Date | Result | Total Goals |
| Rangers @ Islanders | 11/15/2025 | Islanders 4-3 (OT) | 7 |
| Islanders @ Rangers | 10/20/2025 | Rangers 3-2 | 5 |
| Rangers @ Islanders | 03/10/2024 | Rangers 4-2 | 6 |
| Islanders @ Rangers | 12/05/2024 | Islanders 5-3 | 8 |
| Rangers @ Islanders | 02/28/2024 | Rangers 3-1 | 4 |
Betting Trends
Puck Line: New York is 15-10 PL at home; Rangers 12-13 PL on the road. Over/Under: The over has hit in 6 of Islanders’ last 10 home games and 5 of Rangers’ last 10 overall. Trends: Islanders 4-1 in last 5 home games; Rangers 2-3 in last 5 road.
Game Odds
New York Rangers 6.5
New York Islanders – 148
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026
