The potential of the Rangers vs Islanders R1 thriller ?!

[Will Hunting]

How realistic is this series now? Some hypothetical predictions for it, etc..

Personally, I would be thrilled to see this in R1, both as a Pens fan(just to avoid the tough R1 matchups) and as a hockey fan (**** yeah).

Is it too early to predict it? Because for me, this series is almost a lock to happen.. I just can´t see the Caps and the Metro-company to compete vs the Rangers and Isles for those 2 & 3 playoffs spots. Maybe there´s some potential of the New Yorks catching up the depleted Pens, but the Pens should benefit from this Christmas break and hopefully get some players back (and hold on their 1st spot).

If this series happens, it´s gonna be epic. I think the Rangers would eventually do it in 7, but..

Discuss.

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[Machinehead]

It's early yet, but it would be good. If I had to make a prediction right now, I'd have that as the matchup.

 

[SnowblindNYR]

I'd love that matchup to happen, if it happens I think the Rangers take in 6, they just have more experience. I won't get into the talent as I don't know that much about the Islanders, I've honestly not been following the NHL as much as usually do because of school and a hectic schedule.

 

[puckyeah]

That would be a great matchup for hockey and that region of the country. It would also get the passion back into the rivalry. Hope it happens.

 

[The Lunatic Fridge]

It would be a hell of a moment if the Rangers we're the last team the Colosseum would see before NYI moved to brooklyn.

 

[GOAT AINEC]

It would renew the rivalry.

I consider the Flyers and Pens more of a rival at this point.

 

[RiceCooker]

It would renew the rivalry.

I consider the Flyers and Pens more of a rival at this point.

I still hate the Devils more than the Flyers, Pens or Isles.
Would Love to see a Rangers-Isles playoff series, it's been way too long.

 

[ZeroPT*]

I desperately am hoping for a NYI 2nd half collapse but I would LOVE NYI/NYR in the playoffs. Would be so frickin awesome.

 

[Glen Sathers Cigar]

It would be a great series. I don't know if I could stomach a loss though.

 

[RangersOwnNewYork*]

I hate the Islanders more than any team in any sport. Nothing has made me happier than their irrelevancy the last 20 years. I must admit though that they have a very good team this year and added some nice pieces in the off season. I believe they are going to meet in the first round and it will be epic.

 

[didimentionlarseller]

Id like the Isles to win that just for selfish reasons (then again id be cool seeing McD playing for a cup again - if the Habs arent there) but then if the Islanders win thats actually almost scarier given Halak's playoff history.

I still think i'd rather play a hotstreak Halak than Lundqvist in playoffs

 

[Raspewtin]

Nothing would be sweeter then sending out the Nassau Colisseum with the Isles losing in the playoffs to the Rangers on their ice. Nothing.

Would be a great series though.

 

[War Admiral]

Nothing would be sweeter then sending out the Nassau Colisseum with the Isles losing in the playoffs to the Rangers on their ice. Nothing.

Would be a great series though.

Followed by another 4 Stanley Cup run (this time in Brooklyn). Yes...it would be truly "sweet"!

 

[5 4 Fighting]

Rangers are superior everywhere except Center ice, this is Rangers in 5 or 6. Tight,defensive hockey

 

[wunderpanda]

Changing of the guard, Isles would win in 4

 

[klingsor]

I'd like it as the Eastern Conference Finals.

 

[alko]

Is the rivality between Islanders and Rangers still so hot?

 

[RangersOwnNewYork*]

Followed by another 4 Stanley Cup run (this time in Brooklyn). Yes...it would be truly "sweet"!

Yea, ok. It's not the 1980's anymore. The days of consecutive cups are history. Maybe they should actually win a playoff series first.

 

[RangersOwnNewYork*]

Changing of the guard, Isles would win in 4

Dude, its Christmas day not April Fools.

 

[RangersOwnNewYork*]

Is the rivality between Islanders and Rangers still so hot?

The rivalry hasn't been what it once was because the Isles haven't been very good for a long time. I think most ranger fans view the devils as the no. 1 rival. Not me though. I hate the Isles more than any other team and if they meet in the playoffs the rivalry will be as heated as ever.

 

[bl02]

It wouldn't take much for the rivalry to get heated up again. I agree though the last 10/15 years the devils have been the rangers main rival. I can only imagine the intensity and anticipation in the coliseum for game 1 if it happens...and if the islanders had home ice of course

 

[Sasso09]

More like a defensive series, it would be cool to see NY vs NY but I wouldn't expect it to be a Thrilling series.

 

[Hisch13r]

I still hate the Devils more than the Flyers, Pens or Isles.
Would Love to see a Rangers-Isles playoff series, it's been way too long.

Love you too

 

[winnipegger]

10 bucks on the Islanders.

 

[NoQuitInNewMexico]

Assuming they get there (which I'm pretty sure they will), the playoffs will be a huge test of Capuano's mettle as a coach. As a Rangers fan, I'd like to imagine that could be the x-factor that makes them fizzle out.