New York Islanders vs New York Rangers: Five Players to Watch

The New York Islanders will be on the road facing the New York Rangers in the first game of the season for both teams. Who are five players to watch?

The NHL season has started, and New York hockey fans will be treated to seeing the New York Islanders and New York Rangers face off in the first game of the season. Both teams were able to reach the postseason last year, as the Islanders advanced to the second round, and the Rangers were eliminated in the first round.

After seeing their postseason’s come to an early end, both the Islanders and the Rangers underwent some changes this offseason. Due to limited cap space, the Rangers were handicapped with what they could do in free agency. The lack of cap space resulted in the Rangers losing defenseman Keith Yandle after trading his rights to the Florida Panthers.

For the Islanders, they saw their core get broken up after winning a series in the postseason for the first time since 1993. The decision to let Kyle Okposo, Frans Neilsen, and Matt Martin go in free agency has been questioned, but the Islanders appear to have a plan.

There are a lot of good young players coming for the Islanders, and it appears like they are willing to let them grow now. Due to this being such a great rivalry, opening night will be special in Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers will surely be attempting to get revenge on the Islanders, who beat them four times last season. With that being said, here are five players to watch as the Islanders face the Rangers.