By the end of the season, the Rangers could prove dangerous. But right now the Rangers are somewhat vulnerable being one of the youngest teams in the league. The patient, well-coached, savvy Islanders are a bad first-game matchup for the Rangers.
The Rangers' home ice edge is greatly reduced, too, with no fans allowed in the stands and the Islanders just having to make a short trip. 
The absence of exhibition games hurts the Rangers far more than the Islanders, who retain virtually their entire roster that took Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay to six games in the Eastern Conference finals. 
Morale is up for the Islanders after they were able to sign Mathew Barzal to a contact extension last week.