NHL Free Picks - New York Rangers vs New York Islanders
by Ringo Dalewood
In the Islanders on Sunday afternoon. Both teams will be in action on Saturday night (Rangers vs. Bruins, Islanders vs. Flyers) but Sunday will be the main event for both teams. The Rangers will hope to stay in the playoffs, while the Islanders try to work their way in to one of the top eight seeds.
Goalie Rick DiPietro was outstanding for the Islanders against the Penguins. He is certainly the difference maker for the Isle, while Jason Blake and Ryan Smyth continue to dig deep and find ways to light the lamp. Supinely, the Islanders defense is ranked twelfth in the league while their penalty kill has gone 23/25 in the past five games.
They can not give up so many power plays to a Rangers team that is red hot right now. Jaromir Jagr continues to shine in March and rip the net apart, despite the offensive short-comings of the squad. Defensively, the Rangers have been solid, ranking fifth in road defense.
This will be a well fought game, but the Rangers are firing on all cylinders. Their system frees up Jagr in open ice, while Shanahan uses his big and brutal play to take up space in front of the net. Look for the Rangers to stun the Islanders at home as they secure their playoff hopes, while putting a dent in their cross town rivals’.
Sunday, March 25th --- Nassau Coliseum, Rhode Island --- 12:30pm EST
: NY Rangers 4 NY Islanders 2
Result:
This week: 6-2 This season: 44-33
