Three New York Rangers to watch against the New York Islanders

On Sunday night, the New York Rangers got a dominating win over the Nashville Predators at Madison Square Garden, shutting out Nashville in a 4-0 victory. In his 800th career game, goaltender Jonathan Quick got his 63rd shutout victory.

Monday night, the Rangers are right back at it against a wildcard contender and division rival in the New York Islanders (27-25-7). The Blueshirts made the trip down to UBS Arena on Tuesday night and defeated the Islanders 5-1, and tonight the two play their second matchup in a week.

Due to how playoff positioning is changing so fast between all the Eastern Conference teams, the Rangers need every point and win they can get. Here's three players who need to play well tonight for the Rangers to win.

1. Igor Shesterkin

On Tuesday against the Islanders, fellow tendy Igor Shesterkin was incredible, allowing only one goal and making 36 saves in a 5-1 victory. In particular, Shesterkin kept the Rangers ahead in the second period; the Islanders flurried him with shots but the 29-year-old made every save.

It will once again be Shesterkin against the Islanders, and like in every game where he is on the ice, he gives New York a chance to win. Ilya Sorokin, though he scored a goalie goal on Saturday against the Predators, has allowed at least four goals in four of his last five starts.

Entering the game, the Rangers have the goaltending advantage in Shesterkin.

2. J.T. Miller

Everyone in the hockey world knew that the Rangers got better when they acquired J.T. Miller from Vancouver, and so far, Miller has been everything the Rangers have needed and more.

Miller is 10 games into his second tenure with the Rangers, and he has tallied 12 points (six goals, six assists). The 31-year-old has been noticeable every time he's on the ice.

For every game down the stretch, Miller can bring the rest of New York into battle. The Blueshirts have missed a guy like this for years. Whether or not the Rangers make the 2025 postseason, they are better in the future because of him.

3. Mika Zibanejad

Since February 1, Mika Zibanejad leads the NHL in points, and now, it's time for "Mika March." Zibanejad has tallied 21 points in 24 games so far in 2025.

Zibanejad has not had a great season, but ever since the Rangers acquired Miller, Zibanejad has thrived in his role on the right wing. If the Rangers are going to make any noise, No. 93 has to be in the middle of it.