The New York Rangers celebrating a goal. Photo by: Stacy Podelski

It has been two months since the New York Rangers (38-14-5) took on the New York Islanders (25-27-8) and the Blueshirts look to not only add two vital points to their Eastern Conference lead, but they look to take a commanding 4-1 series lead in the game at Nassau Coliseum tonight.

Both the Rangers and the Islanders have one thing in common, as both teams are known for their shaky starts. The Blueshirts have lost two-of-three entering into tonight’s bout, and will be extremely hungry after the 2-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.

The Rangers has had success on the road though, as the Blueshirts have won eight of their last 11 wearing the White sweaters, while holding a 14-4-1 record in their last 19 games away from Madison Square Garden.

King of New York: Blueshirts keeper Henrik Lundqvist, who announced that he is expecting a child in July, will look to be the King of the crease. The combos of Lundqvist and Martin Biron have appeared in 67 games against the Islanders, posting combined goals against average of just above two goals-per-game. Both keepers hold a combined record of 44-15-6, while blanking the Isles six times.

Oh Captain my Captain: Blueshirts captain Ryan Callahan has had a hot stick of late, tallying seven points (six goals/one assist) in the last seven games. Cally is one goal away from reaching the 100 plateau.

First in many categories: The Rangers, who sit atop the Eastern Conference, are firs in many categories, as the Blueshirts’ lead the NHL with a .769 win % when out-shooting their opponent, they also lead the league when scoring first, posting a 28-1-2 mark. They are also first in regulation/overtime wins (35) and in fewest regulation losses (15).

Killer B’s: Brad Richards and Brandon Dubinsky had both had success against the Islanders, as Richards has gone 11-19-30 in 34 games played, while Dubinsky has 7-19-26 in 31 games played.

Blueshirts sniper: Marian Gaborik has scored three goals in the season series on Long Island, the winger has gone 17-12-29 in 25 games played against the Islanders.

The fifth edition of the Battle of the Big Apple will air on the MSG networks, with face-off slated for 7:00 p.m.

Written on February 24, 2012