The major difference is that the Islanders players had an EASY commute until the move to Barclays. If a player signed with the Islanders due to the "country club atmosphere", having a longer commute to and from games was not what they signed up for. The Rangers commute has been that way from Day 1 for every player on that roster. They knew what they were getting into.
I too have long grown tired about the players *****ing about the commute, but it's not like they're going to have to worry about it after 2/28/19. I'm convinced that's the last Islanders hockey game that will ever be played at Barclays Center. Starting in March, they'll be at the Coliseum full-time until Belmont is done.