The Rivalry 2014: Islanders vs. Rangers - I

From the desks of:

RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS  &  BROOKLYN's FOSTER HOCKEY CLUB

THE RIVALRY

TONIGHT

New York Islanders

vs.

NEW YORK RANGERS

from

33rd Street at 8th Avenue

NYC

New York Islanders: Two Steps Forward...

With no Matt Moulson or Thomas Vanek in the stable, the Isles new defensive reinforcement, Johnny Boychuk, is paying immediate dividends.  The team is off to a 2-0 record after completing a home/home sweep of the Hurricanes.  Oh, and this is their last season in Long Island.

Starting next season, the Islanders will call Barclays Center, Brooklyn, home.  Technically on the same slab of real estate carved out by the last ice age, their relocation nonetheless transforms future Isles/Rangers games into an inner city rivalry.

In net, this year's tandem of Jaroslav Halak and Chad Johnson split the first 2 games.

Entering his sophomore season, young center Brock Nelson already has 6 points.

New York Rangers: Two Steps Back..

The Rangers defense has given up 11 goals in the last 2 games; the Columbus Blue Jackets pushed them around while MatsZucs in particular again proved too small in a physical game; the power play hasn't scored in 8 opportunities; Chris Kreider has been locked in the penalty box, and Henrik Lundqvist gave up 6 goals and got pulled in the 2nd period of the home opener.

Otherwise, Rick Nash is off to a fabulous start, isn't he?

Mike