The New York Islanders (29-19-5) face the New York Rangers (22-26-6) in a Metropolitan Division rivalry game that serves as the second half of a back-to-back home-and-home set. The Islanders are coming off a convincing 5-2 victory over the Rangers on January 28 at UBS Arena, where Ondrej Palat made an impactful debut with a goal and assist, positioning them to potentially sweep the season series. The Rangers, mired in a slump, will look to salvage pride and points at home amid roster management and injuries. This matchup at Madison Square Garden highlights the Islanders’ balanced attack against the Rangers’ star power, with playoff implications for the Islanders in the crowded East and the Rangers fighting to stay relevant. Expect a physical, high-intensity affair fueled by the historic rivalry, potentially low-scoring due to goaltending and defensive focus.
Venue Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on MSGSN, MSG, and ESPN+, with radio coverage on SiriusXM.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams played on January 28, with the Islanders dominating 5-2 in the first leg of the home-and-home. The Islanders rank 14th in goals per game (3.10) and 16th in goals against (2.95), with a power play at 20.5% (15th) and penalty kill at 80.2% (18th). The Rangers are 22nd in goals per game (2.85) and 24th in goals against (3.20), with a power play at 18.2% (20th) and penalty kill at 78.5% (23rd).
New York Islanders (Last 10 Games: 5-4-1, Avg. 3.2 GPG)
Recent Streak: Won 2 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 28 vs. NYR: W 5-2 (Palat G+A in debut; Holmstrom G+2A).
Jan. 26 vs. PHI: W 4-0 (Shutout; strong PK).
Jan. 24 @ OTT: L 2-5.
Jan. 22 vs. NYR: W 3-2 (OT).
Jan. 20 @ SEA: L 3-4.
Strengths: Balanced scoring (Barzal 15 G, 35 A); Efficient goaltending (Varlamov .905 SV% when healthy). Weaknesses: Inconsistent road play (14-11-3 away); Special teams dips in losses.
New York Rangers (Last 10 Games: 2-7-1, Avg. 2.5 GPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 2 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 28 @ NYI: L 2-5 (Zibanejad G; defensive breakdown).
Jan. 26 vs. TOR: L 2-4.
Jan. 24 vs. MTL: W 5-2.
Jan. 22 @ NYI: L 2-3 (OT).
Jan. 20 vs. FLA: L 2-3.
Strengths: Power play at 18.2%; Zibanejad (20 G, 30 A) leading. Weaknesses: Allowing 3.20 GAA; Slump (2-8-1 in last 11); 12-13-2 at home.
Injury Report
Injuries hit both teams hard, with the Islanders missing goaltending depth and the Rangers without their top scorer and goalie.
New York Islanders:
OUT: Semyon Varlamov (G, Knee; expected return Feb. 26).
OUT: Kyle Palmieri (C, Knee; expected return Feb. 28).
OUT: Pierre Engvall (LW, Ankle; out for season).
DAY-TO-DAY: Calum Ritchie (C, Lower Body).
DAY-TO-DAY: Ryan Pulock (D, Upper Body).
New York Rangers:
OUT: Artemi Panarin (LW, Undisclosed; expected return Feb. 26).
OUT: Conor Sheary (LW, Undisclosed; expected return Feb. 28).
IR-LT: Adam Fox (D, Undisclosed; expected return Jan. 31).
IR: Igor Shesterkin (G, Undisclosed; expected return Jan. 31).
DAY-TO-DAY: Adam Edstrom (C, Lower Body).
Key Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups based on the latest projections (adjustments for injuries; Pulock questionable for Islanders, Panarin out for Rangers):
Islanders Forwards: Ondrej Palat – Bo Horvat – Emil Heineman; Jonathan Drouin – Mathew Barzal – Anthony Duclair; Anders Lee – Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Simon Holmstrom; Kyle MacLean – Casey Cizikas – Marc Gatcomb.
Rangers Forwards: J.T. Miller – Mika Zibanejad – Gabe Perreault; Vincent Trocheck – Alexis Lafreniere (Panarin out; adjustments); Brennan Othmann – Noah Laba – Will Cuylle; Taylor Raddysh – Sam Carrick – Matt Rempe.
Islanders Defense: Adam Pelech – Tony DeAngelo; Matthew Schaefer – Ryan Pulock (questionable); Scott Mayfield – Isaiah George.
Rangers Defense: K’Andre Miller – Jacob Trouba; Erik Gustafsson – Braden Schneider; Zac Jones – Matthew Robertson.
Goalies: Islanders – David Rittich (12-7-3, 2.45 GAA, .910 SV%); Rangers – Spencer Martin (1-3-0, 3.50 GAA, .880 SV%) with Shesterkin out.
Key Matchups:
Mathew Barzal vs. Mika Zibanejad: Barzal (15 G, 35 A) speed vs. Zibanejad (20 G, 30 A) faceoff prowess.
Ondrej Palat vs. Jacob Trouba: Palat (debut impact G+A) tests Trouba’s physicality.
Anders Lee vs. Braden Schneider: Lee (18 G) net-front presence vs. Schneider’s shutdown role.
Goalie Duel: Rittich vs. Martin: Rittich’s consistency vs. Martin’s volume saves amid Rangers’ injuries.
Series History
The Islanders-Rangers rivalry dates back to 1972, with the Rangers leading the all-time series 161-148-19-10 in 338 games (regular season: Rangers 142-128-19-10; playoffs: Islanders 20-19). The teams have met eight times in the playoffs, with the Islanders winning five series, including four straight from 1981-1984 during their dynasty. Recently, the Islanders have won three straight meetings this season, including a 5-2 victory on January 28. The Rangers won the 1994 playoff series 4-0 en route to the Stanley Cup.
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Islanders 5-5 ATS in last 10 (strong as favorites); Rangers 3-7 ATS in last 10 (poor as underdogs). Islanders 4-2 ATS vs. Rangers this season; Under in 6 of Islanders’ last 8 road games; Over in 4 of Rangers’ last 6 home.
Game Odds
New York Islanders – 142
New York Rangers 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
