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. For this edition, we have the New York Islanders taking on the New York Rangers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Islanders Lead 3-0
How to Watch: US TV: MSGSN; MSG 2
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Tonight’s game between these two crosstown division rivals will be the second of a home-and-home series. Coming into this game, these teams sit on opposite sides of the standings. The Islanders are in third place in the Metropolitan with a record of 29-19-5 through 53 games. That record has them at 63 points on the season. The Rangers, on the other hand, sit in last place in the Metro. Their record is 22-26-6 through 54 games; that record has them at 50 points on the season. This is a back-to-back for these teams, the last time they will meet this season, and it will take place at Madison Square Garden.
The Islanders Story
The Islanders come into the game riding a two-game winning streak. One key to their success has been the offence producing at a high level regularly. They have scored four or more goals in three of the last five games. Another key has been the return of Bo Horvat. He recorded his first point in the three games since returning from injury in the last game, and the team has won two of those games. The team went out to try to add more offence for their playoff push. They added Ondřej Palát, and he scored a goal and recorded an assist in his first game with the team.
Defensivley the team still has been playing solid in front of their goaltenders. They still rank in the top five in goals against. In addition to the Palat trade, they made a trade for defensive help as well. Acquiring Carson Soucy for some depth on the blueline with Alexander Romanov out long term. The team continues to get good goaltending play from their tandem as well. With David Rittich stating last night and picking up the win, they will turn to Ilya Sorokin tonight. He has been on fire recently, going 5-2-0 with a .935 save percentage in his last seven games. He is firmly in Vezina trophy discussions.
The Rangers Story
As for the Rangers, they have had a rough season. Announced as sellers at the deadline, they have lost three of their last four games. Their top point producer, Artemi Panarin, is being held out until a trade can be arranged. Without him, they have to rely heavily on Mika Zibanejad and JT Miller. Zibanejad has 50 points in 53 games. Miller has 34 in 45 games.
Defensively, things haven’t been much better. In their last five games, they have allowed four or more goals. They have been hit hard by injuries. Top defenceman Adam Fox is on long-term injured reserve. Their top goaltender and backbone of the team, Igor Shesterkin, is also on the IR. These are arguably two of their most important players, and the team has struggled even more so without them. In his absence, Spencer Martin started last night, meaning Jonathan Quick will get the net for tonight. Quick is 4-11-2 with a .884 save percentage on the season.
Prediction
Coming into this game, both of these teams are moving in different directions. The Islanders are making trades to try to beef up for the playoffs. The Rangers are going to be selling off pieces. The Islanders have the advantages in every area of this game. The only thing the Rangers have is home ice, but we don’t think it will be enough to flip the result of this game.
Prediction: Islanders win 4-2
Prop Bets
According to the popular sportsbooks, the Islanders are the road favourites. We would take their moneyline at -130. The over/under is set at 5.5. With the Islanders’ offence playing well and the Rangers’ defence not getting it done, we would take the over at -138. As far as anytime goal scorers, for the Islanders, take Bo Horvat at +180. He is looking for his first goal since returning from injury. For the Rangers, JT Miller at +195 is on a two-game point streak and is one of the only reliable point producers on the team.
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Main Photo: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images