Rangers vs. Islanders prediction: NHL odds, picks, preview

Islanders and Rangers are playing each other at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The last time the Isles won 3-0, the Rangers had just played the Avalanche the night before and were starting their back-up goalie, Jaroslav Halak. This time, however, they are in a worse position and the game is a must-win for the Islanders.

Islanders are the underdogs against the Rangers. The Isles have been playing well at 5-on-5 recently. Rangers are at home and have the rest advantage. They will start their all-world goaltender, while the Islanders will sit theirs in favor of Semyon Varlamov.

The Rangers are 7th in the NHL in expected goals rate and 8th on high-danger chance percentage. They are 25th at 5-on-5 and 25 in goals per 60 at even strength. The Rangers have a top-five power play, but they don't have any real strength at the 5th position.