Off a loss in their last game but on a 7-1 run, the Rangers are at home to the rival islanders on Thursday evening. It is a good opportunity for the Rangers to salvage a single win in the 3 game series in spite of a past history of losses to the Isles. The teams are evenly matched this season, allowing an average of 2.7 goals while scoring 3.2. The Rangers have a solid edge recently, managing 30 goals in those 7 wins while allowing just 10. The Islanders are just 2-5 in their last 7 games, with 5 of those games going over, a very un-Isles style of play in this stretch.
Sorokin has struggled lately. He lost 5 straight games, bouncing back in his last start with a much better effort. We knew it would happen, but it appears Rangers net-minder Shesterkin has finally re-found his form, with a .945 Save % lately, allowing minimal goals in recent games.
In spite of the Islander dominance in the past, I like the Rangers chances today. They are healthier and playing a much more defensively responsible, with a ton of potential firepower. They've been under-performing for much of the season, but now seem to have turned a corner. take the Rangers to win at home.