Classic Rivalry Renewed Next Two Days

'Tis the holiday season. If you're a metro area fan, then you're in for a real treat over the next 48 hours. One of the best rivalries renews as the Islanders and Rangers get together for a classic home-and-home series, which starts tonight at MSG with the rematch at The Coliseum tomorrow night.

Both clubs are struggling with the Rangers losers of seven of eight and the Islanders entering having dropped four of five, including a 7-1 home shellacking at the hands of Florida. Ironically, each New York team are virtually tied in a crowded East with 31 points, joining the Flyers, Maple Leafs and Bolts a couple of points behind Montreal and Florida. So, there's plenty at stake when the puck drops. It'll be games 2 and 3 of the six-game season series. The Isles prevailed in the first one 3-1 back on Oct.28 with prize rookie John Tavares finishing off the big win off the Meadowbrook. Dwayne Roloson made 34 stops. How ironic. It was a hint of things to come for the Blueshirts, who have scored two or less 16 of the past 20. Part of the reason for a dreadful slump. Even when they play well as was the case the other night and Saturday, it's not enough.

Who wants it more? Well, these games are certainly important as is this holiday stretch because if one continues the downward spiral, they could play themselves out of the race. We'll be in our Sec.411 Row F seats wearing a blue Ranger Sundstrom. Come by.