The Rangers and the Islanders are two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Plus they are close rivals in the New York area. They are in a very close race in the Metropolitan Division with about 15-16 games remaining for both teams.
The New York Islanders got the scoring going early on in the game when Anders Lee scored his 23rd goal of the season and his point streak going with a point in every game this month. Ryan Strome and Brock Nelson both had assists on that goal. It would be the only goal that the Islanders would get in this game, as Cam Talbot did an excellent job in goal with 29 saves in 30 attempts.
After an early penalty in the second period for high sticking, Kevin Hayes was able to bounce back with a goal later in the period to tie the game at one and there was an assist by Mats Zuccarello.
Very early into the final period, the Rangers would take their lead. It came when Rick Nash scored his 39th goal of the season, getting a second one past post Jaroslav Halak. It was assisted by Derick Brassard and Marc Staal. But the Rangers were able to hold off because of the excellent play of Cam Talbot.
The New York Rangers move to second in the Metropolitan Division at 41-17-7, 89 pts, and will stay on the road as they go to Washington D.C. to face the Capitals, 36-21-10, 82 pts, on Wednesday, March 11. Meanwhile the New York Islanders, 43-22-4, 90 pts, will face the Ottawa Senators, 30-24-11, 71 pts, at home on Friday, March 13.