The New York Islanders are coming off a 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadians, giving them their second three-game winning streak of the season.
The Rangers are coming off a shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, although they have nabbed seven of a possible 10 points in their last five games. They have lost the last two games (0-1-1) they have played.
According to multiple beat reporters Marian Gaborik and Michael Del Zotto will once again sit out while Mats Zuccarello will be recalled from Connecticut for his second straight game with the Rangers. Zuccarello played pretty well against Tampa Bay, and even scored a goal in the shootout. He's obviously being used as a Gaborik replacement, but if he continues to play well it wouldn't be surprising to see him be Ryan Callahan's replacement for a few games.
As it stands, the Rangers need a win against a lesser opponent. The Islanders, on the other hand, are looking for a four-game winning streak, and some confidence as we come closer to the halfway mark of the season.
Expect Henrik Lundqvist in goal, although it's still likely that Martin Biron will see some time as well. The Rangers will be looking to go 21-14-1 this season.