It has recently come to my attention that other folks, OK the founders of this site and podcast have thrown the gauntlet. Saying that the Islanders dominance of the Rangers since moving to Barclays ends tonight.
WRONG!
Though they are correct about one thing, the teams are over achieving. The teams collectively, in a weakened Metro Division are outstripping what anyone thought might happen.
Last year I wrote that I wished that the teams had more at stake for the Battle of New York. Not this year, though we are early in the season these are games that both teams hate to lose. There is a lot of history, animosity and downright hatred amongst their respective fanbases. Despite injuries Trotz is going to have the team lit up to play tonight.
I gotta say that I am going to be sad not to see Matty Martin on the ice tonight against the Rangers, for nothing else than hits like the image above.
Yeah sure the Isles Lost JT, who the Toronto media is beginning to turn on and Barzal is not as prolific as he was in his Calder winning season, but so what? Here is a reminder of his first NHL goal, one in which he brushes aside Nash and the Rangers. Oh yeah and he just hit 100 points.
Mat Barzal all smiles after 1st NHL goal. #Isles pic.twitter.com/x6bMOTJ0kC
— noah (@noahcb_) October 20, 2017
This game always means something, but tonight it might mean a little more!
Best of luck boys!
By the way, If they lose I will borrow a Rangers Jersey and send pics of me with it on. Hopefully it won’t burn my skin.
The Morning Skate 