Rangers/Islanders Christmas MSG Spectacular

Later tonight, the Rangers and Islanders do it again at MSG in a Christmas Spectacular. Well, albeit a day late due to the holiday break. Still, it's as good as it gets in this town as the two bitter rivals do battle for a third time in two weeks with each splitting a home-and-home last time out.

For the Blueshirts, they should have the embarrassing 2-1 Garden defeat weighing on their minds. Ever since, they've won four straight playing better hockey- particularly the last two. The Isles finally ended their losing skid prior to the break thanks to rookie John Tavares. They can take solace knowing that MSG is their home away from home, bringing an 8-3-1 record over the past dozen. Home ice never matters in this heated rivalry. So, the Rangers must come ready.

As Hasan noted, this is Act II of a topsy turvy Olympic year. If each wants to be taken seriously, they must come out quickly before the Vancouver Olympics hit in early February. We'll be in our Sec.411 Row F seats for this one with a full recap coming later.

Don't forget the WJC starts up today with Team USA battling Slovakia at 8 tonight!