Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the New York Rangers taking on the New York Islanders. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 0-1 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: MSGSN; MSG 2
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our only game of today’s NHL predictions is the first portion of a home-and-home series between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders. These two games mark the last two encounters between the two clubs this season. These two teams are heading in opposite directions this season.
The Rangers are at a crossroads and likely trying to play out the string barring a miracle. We saw the Blueshirts trade defenceman Carson Soucy to the rival Islanders, so that will make an interesting side note to this game.
The Islanders have been a pleasant surprise this season and are third in the Metropolitan Division. Head coach Patrick Roy has this team playing well and poised to make a run at getting a Stanley Cup Playoff spot.
Let’s take a look at the statistics and storylines going into this Metropolitan Division matchup in this round of NHL predictions.
The Rangers Story
It’s been a season to forget so far for the Blueshirts in 2025-26. There was an expectation that having Mike Sullivan behind the bench would right the ship. However, injuries and inconsistent play have likely doomed the Rangers for the draft lottery.
Jonathan Quick is the projected starter for the Blueshirts. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. It’s been a struggle so far this year for Quick, who has a 4-11-2 record and a 2.94 goals-against-average.
Trade target Artemi Panarin leads the team in assists (38) and points (57) so far this campaign. Mika Zibanejad is first on the squad in goals with 21.
The Islanders Story
This has been a turnaround campaign for the Isles under new general manager Mathieu Darche. Both phases of the game are doing well and the team recently added both Soucy and Ondrej Palat in the last couple of days.
Ilya Sorokin is expected to get the call, and he’s been a massive reason that the Islanders have been able to turn things around. Sorokin has a .916 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against-average to insert himself into the Vezina Trophy conversation.
Mat Barzal leads the club in assists (31) and points (43) so far this season. Bo Horvat tops the team in goals with 21 for the Isles, who boast a balanced attack.
Prediction
These two clubs are going in opposite directions, but these games are always tough to gauge. The Rangers will give a good effort, but the Islanders have more talent and should win this game.
Quick can be a solid goalie. However, Sorokin has been lights out in between the pipes this campaign.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for the Rangers versus the Islanders is 5.5, and we like the over in this game.
As for individual props, take Vincent Trocheck to get an assist in this game for the Rangers. On the Islanders side of things, take Anders Lee to score a goal.
Main photo by: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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