For the second time in three days, the New York Islanders will be headed to Manhattan to take on the New York Rangers for a rematch. The Islanders took the first game convincingly, winning by a score of 4-0.

Thursday’s Game

The season opener was pretty much over from the start as Brock Nelson scored a power play goal just 2:33 into the game. Shortly after, captain Anders Lee scored off of an odd man rush and made it 2-0, just shy of four minutes into the game. Mathew Barzal scored a beautiful goal 13:31 into the game and gave the Islanders a 3-0 lead. Lee scored another goal later in the second period, on the power play. The Islanders defense did what they do best and conserved the lead all the way through the game, helping goaltender Semyon Varlamov complete the shutout. He made 24 saves in the effort. The Rangers were flatfooted and behind all game long with the Isles in control of the game. Islanders skaters played slower and conservatively with the big lead. Noah Dobson and Kieffer Bellows were outstanding and are ready to make a difference on the NHL roster for the first time in their careers.

Special Teams

A ton of penalties were called in Thursday’s game (11 total) leading to a lot of special teams play. The Rangers were the team who took the majority of the penalties, as they sent the Islanders to the power-play eight times. The Islanders only took advantage twice on those eight tries, which gave them a win in this game but that won’t cut it in a closer game. The Rangers need to stay more disciplined and the Islanders need to cash in on more of their power-play opportunities. In future more competitive matchups, special teams will be crucial and play a much bigger role.

Players to Watch

Kieffer Bellows

Bellows made a statement in the opening game. In his limited minutes he was all over the ice, including drawing a penalty on an offensive scoring chance. Bellows led the way in the hit department with eight as he played a great physical game for an offensive minded player. Look out for more of the same and maybe some more minutes tonight.

Noah Dobson

In his first game in his permanent role, Noah Dobson was outstanding. He looked a lot more comfortable on the ice and it really showed as he was moving the puck well and making great defensive plays. Dobson also assisted on Anders Lee’s second goal of the night. Dobson should continue to get more involved offensively starting tonight.

Alexis Lafreniere

In his NHL debut, Lafreniere wasn’t much of a factor. He took a hooking penalty and had a shot on goal during 13:21 minutes of ice time. Keep an eye on him to be playing aggressively looking for his first NHL goal against his new teams biggest rival, as he will be playing with Artemi Panarin tonight.

Tony DeAngelo

After getting frozen by Mathew Barzal and allowing him to score a goal, he also slammed the penalty box door in frustration later in the game, doubling a minor penalty he took, Tony DeAngelo has been moved to the Rangers taxi squad. DeAngelo won’t be in the lineup tonight, and his future with the Rangers is something to monitor.

Score Prediction: Islanders 3, Rangers 2

The Islanders will look to start a winning streak with another win over the Rangers. Alexandar Georgiev will be starting for the Rangers tonight, and the Islanders haven’t announced a starter yet. It will be much closer this time around with both teams having a game under their belts, but the Isles can pull away and be able to play their strong defensive game and hold off the Rangers offensive firepower once again.

John Smark