One day after a very eventful Trade Deadline, the Islanders host the Rangers for the final time this season.  Since the last meeting between the two, not only are the Islanders in the playoff mix, but the Rangers have made a run and currently sit six points out, right behind the Isles.
Trade Deadline
Yesterday, the Isles were active during the trade deadline, as they acquired Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the Ottawa Senators, in exchange for draft picks.  The Rangers also had an eventful day.  They locked up Chris Kreider to a contact extension and traded Brady Skjei to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2020 first-round pick.
Bad News
However, the Rangers received the worst news they could possibly receive during their playoff push.  Star-rookie goalie Igor Shesterkin and forward Pavel Buchnevich were involved in a car accident, which resulted in a small rib fracture for Shesterkin and Buchnevich being day-to-day as he’s just “shaken up.”
Previous Game
The last time the two met was the third meeting in a nine day span.  The Rangers took the first two games 6-2 and 3-2, respectively.  After two tough losses to their rival, the Isles needed a bounce-back game.  Josh Bailey, Anthony Beauvillier, Anders Lee and Brock Nelson all scored to help the Isles to a 4-0 lead in the third period.  Late in the game, when the game was thought to be over, the Rangers were awarded two power-plays and scored on both to cut the deficit to 4-2.  The late push failed and the Isles came out victorious.

What to Expect
As the regular season is beginning to wind down, the Metropolitan Division is just going to get even more chaotic.  Seven of the eight teams in the division are fighting for a playoff spot, which is absolutely insane.  Expect an Old Barn, playoff-like atmosphere tonight.  The Isles are looking to jump back into the top-three in the Metro, and the Rangers are trying to climb into the Wild Card race.
Team Stats
Record:  NYR 33-24-4   NYI 35-20-6
Points:  NYR 70   NYI 76
PP%:  NYR 23.1   NYI 17.5
PK%:  NYR 79.5   NYI 80.6
2019-2020 Game of the Month Record
0-3-1