An all-New York duel in the open air
More than 70,000 people are expected at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the open game between the New York Rangers and New York Islanders (3 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS).
This will be the 41st outdoor game presented by the NHL, less than 24 hours after the 40th, when the New Jersey Devils overthrew the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3 in the same MetLife Stadium on Saturday night.
Despite the exceptional circumstances, the Islanders (22-18-13) know they must stay committed to the task. Patrick Roy’s team is fighting for its survival in the race for the playoffs and it absolutely must collect all possible points. The Islanders have a 3-2-2 record since the arrival of the Quebec coach and they are five points behind the Detroit Red Wings and the last place giving access to the playoffs in the East.
Roy led intense practices this week following Tuesday’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Seattle Kraken. He wants to see his people display more consistency and aggressiveness.
The task promises to be difficult against the Rangers (35-16-3), who have won their last six games – a second such series for them this season. Peter Laviolette’s troupe sits at the top of the Metropolitan section.
Interestingly, Rangers forward Matt Rempe should become the first player in history to play his first career NHL game in an away game. The Calgary native was recalled from Hartford’s farm club following Blake Wheeler’s injury on Thursday.
2024-02-18 15:19:10
#Duels #watch #York #outdoors #NHL.com
