Rangers-Islanders: Rangers Triumph in the Battle of New York

Much of the build-up for tonight's Rangers-Islanders game centered around the idea that these are two teams headed in opposite directions.  The Rangers came into the game having won eight of their first 11 games for a league best 17 points, while the Islanders sported the league's lowest point total at four. 

That hype proved true tonight as the two teams renewed their rivalry on Long Island with the Rangers coming out on top 4-2. 

Both teams came out aggressively in the first period, with the Rangers grabbing an early 1-0 lead on Chris Drury's first goal of the season.  Drury, who has struggled thus far, finally caught a break when his shot deflected off Isles goalie Joey MacDonald's skate and into the back of the net. 

The Rangers, who overcame two quick Brandon Dubinsky penalties and a benching, forechecked well and appeared set to take a one goal lead into the first intermission.  But a defensive lapse on a defensive zone face-off in the final seconds led to Kyle Okposo's first goal of the season and a 1-1 first period tie.

Much of the second period was spent in awe of the amazing goaltending show put on by Henrik Lundqvist and Joey MacDonald.  Lundqvist made his share of saves but it was MacDonald who really shone in the second period in the absence of Rick DiPietro, who will miss an indeterminate amount of time.

MacDonald helped keep the Islanders competitive, shutting down two Rangers' powerplay chances, including a five on three. 

It was Ryan Callahan who put the Blueshirts ahead for good with his third goal of the season.  Callahan, who always seems to be in front of the net, gathered a loose puck off a slapper from Paul Mara and buried it in the back of the net to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead. 

As they have had a tendency to do this season (just ask the Penguins), the Rangers completely dominated the third period.  For the second straight game the Rangers came out in a close third period game, and just showed they wanted it more, blitzing the Islanders 14-5 in shots.  In the past two games they have out-shot their opponents 32-7 in the third period.

Scott Gomez added a goal to make it 3-1 before Chris Drury iced the game with his second goal on the powerplay.  Mark Streit added a late shorthanded goal for the Islanders but it was too little, too late at that point.

Markus Naslund added an assist to extend his point-scoring streak.  He now has six points in his last four games.  Henrik Lundqvist stopped 28 of 30 shots for his league leading seventh win of the season.

With the win, the Rangers improved to 9-2-1 for a league leading 19 points.  They will have the next two days off before returning to the Garden ice on Thursday to face the Atlanta Thrashers. 

For the Islanders, the loss was another disappointment in an already difficult season.  With the loss, they fall to 2-6 with a league low four points.  They too are off until Thursday when they travel to Philadelphia to face the Flyers.