The New York Islanders and New York Rangers will meet for the final regular season game ever in their rivalry at the Nassau Coliseum. If this one is anything like the last one, when the Rangers scored a 6-5 comeback win, it will be a night to remember. The Islanders lead the Rangers by just one point for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens will host the Tampa Bay Lightning in an Atlantic Division showdown. The Habs hold a two-point lead over the Bolts for the top spot.
Let’s take a look at Tuesday’s top two games.
New York Rangers at New York Islanders: Faceoff from Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is set for 7 p.m. ET with coverage on NHLN-US.
What to Watch: The Rangers are red hot despite the absence of injured goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. The Broadway Blueshirts have won six out of their last eight games and are among the most complete teams in the NHL with ranks of fourth for goals scored and third for goals against. The Islanders have lost five out of their last eight as their lack of defense is catching up to them. The Isles rank 23rd for goals against and 29th for penalty killing, but that has been offset by their offense that ranks third for goals scored.
The Rangers have an embarrassment of riches on defense and are all-in for a Stanley Cup playoff run. The Broadway Blueshirts are better than last year’s Eastern Conference championship team.
Who to Watch: Ranger goaltender Cam Talbot has been strong in filling in for King Henrik with a .943 save percentage in his last five games. Rangers left wing Rick Nash has 38 goals. The Rangers are deep at defense with Kevin Klein, Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Dan Boyle, and newly acquired Keith Yandle.
Center John Tavares continues to impress for the Isles with 32 goals and 38 assists. Defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy have been steady on the blue line.
Why to Watch: The Islanders are among the most entertaining teams in the league to watch and games from Nassau Coliseum take fans back to why they fell in love with the game in the first place. There will be extra atmosphere for this one due to the first place showdown, combined with this being the last ever regular season meeting between the Rangers and Isles at Nassau. New York is buzzing with anticipation for this showdown. History and passion will merge with two quality and skilled teams playing for high stakes. This one has it all.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens: Faceoff from the Bell Centre is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
What to Watch: Montreal’s lack of scoring and defensive depth is becoming a big concern for the playoffs. The Habs have lost three out of their last four games. Tampa Bay is in good form with seven wins in ten games as the top scoring team in the NHL.
Who to Watch: Montreal left wing Max Pacioretty is their one source of offense with 31 goals. Defenseman P.K Subban is among the most dominant and exciting players in the game for the Habs. Goaltender Carey Price has a save percentage of .936 with seven shutouts. Price is the proverbial one man in Montreal’s reputation for being a one man team.
Tampa Bay’s center ice tandem of Tyler Johnson and Steven Stamkos is among the best in the game. Johnson has 24 goals and 40 assists while Stamkos has 36 goals and 25 assists. Tampa Bay goaltender Ben Bishop has a save percentage of .931 in his last five games.
Why to Watch: The contrast of the Lighting offense going up against Subban and Price will be exciting. This is a playoff rematch from last year when Bishop was injured and missed the series, allowing Montreal to win in relative ease. The Habs and Bolts would make for an outstanding playoff rematch this spring. Tampa Bay does not get a lot of attention but is among the most promising teams in the NHL with plenty of talented youth and skill.
