EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders and the New York Rangers both find themselves on the outside looking in when they go to battle on Tuesday night at UBS Arena.
But, with the Rangers two points back of the second wild-card spot and the Islanders five points back, this installment of the rivarly is rather important.
Islanders Anthony Duclair Fired Up For Showdown Against Former Team, Rival Rangers
<b>EAST MEADOW, NY -- </b>Forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-counting-on-a-healthy-anthony-duclair-to-shine-after-4-nations-break">Anthony Duclair</a> knows a thing or two about the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/islanders-counting-on-a-healthy-anthony-duclair-to-shine-after-4-nations-break">New York Islanders</a> rivalry with the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/">New York Rangers</a> from his short stint on Broadway.
"Every game towards the end of the season is obviously a playoff game. We all need the two points," Islanders forward Anthony Duclair said. "In-division games, especially against the Rangers, is gonna be real special. It's gonna be a battle out there, for sure."
Islanders captain Anders Lee has faced the Rangers 38 times in his career.
"I think there's always something extra regardless of what's going on," Lee told The Hockey News. "I think just where we both stand and what we're both fighting for are two big points."
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy could feel how important this game is for his group.
"I could tell when I came in this morning," Roy said. "There's not much to be said. I mean, the guys understand what they have to do, and they know who we're playing. If you ask them who we play tonight, don't worry; they know who they play tonight.
"It's exciting because we're both battling for a playoff spot. So, it should be a great game for our fans."
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The Islanders, who are 0-0-1 against the Rangers this season after falling 5-2 on Nov. 3, will play their cross-town rivals again next Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
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