Islanders host Rangers in key playoff race matchup, both teams riding momentum from recent comebacks.

The New York Islanders host the New York Rangers in a key matchup following the holiday break, coming off an 8-6-2 stretch since November 20 despite injuries to key players like Bo Horvat and Alexander Romanov. The Islanders, now third in the Metropolitan Division, have leaned on young talent such as Matthew Schaefer and Emil Heineman. The Rangers, rebuilding after missing the playoffs and hiring Mike Sullivan as head coach, have struggled offensively—scoring just 104 goals, second-fewest in the East—but recently rallied with a five-goal third period in a 7-3 win over Washington. Both teams enter the game on momentum from comeback victories, with the Rangers hoping for Adam Fox’s return and the Islanders aiming to solidify their playoff push.