Peepin' Foes: New York Islanders

The Rangers will add another chapter to the age-old rivalry against the Islanders tonight when they faceoff at the Garden. For those watching at home, I believe it is a Versus exclusive game ... that sucks, but so does Denis Potvin.

Where We Are: I really don't want to talk about it. Sorry.

Where They Are: The Isles got points out of each of their last two games after Toronto rolled over to them 4-1 and the Sabres blew a two goal lead with two minutes left in the game on their way to a shootout win. Half of their team is injured or banged up, including expected starter Rick DiPietro. DP got the win against the Leafs, then complained that he was sore so he didn't even bother to go to Buffalo on Saturday. What a warrior.

Who To Watch For: The ancient Bill Guerin has four points in those last two games and Richard Park is always, always dangerous - especially on the penalty kill. Of the many kids on the Isles roster, Josh Bailey has a ton of skill but hasn't realized it yet and Kyle Okposo is proving that he was a tad overhyped after leaving the Golden Gophers early. He isn't bad, but he isn't a franchise savior.

What To Watch For: The Rangers will inevitably make DP look like a hockey god. The Blueshirts have the bad trend of taking low percentage shot after low percentage shot against Islander goaltenders to inflate their save percentage. And last season DP went 3-1 against the better New York team - whether that was a symptom of Ted Nolan's coaching has yet to be determined ...

What We'll (Hopefully) See: The utter annihilation of the Islanders - say, 10-1. And DP blowing out his hip again. That would make this Ranger fan quite happy. But closer to reality, let's hope to see a Ranger team play inspired hockey against a major rival while not allowing a single shorthanded goal.

Also Check Out: Islesblogger, Dee's 7th Woman and of course Chris Botta's Point Blank.

As always, I recommend people check out Sam Weinman's Ranger Report for up-to-the-minute updates on our boys. And I definitely think that that you should hit up iTunes and pick up the classic Zambonis track, "Johnny Got Suspended."

A long time ago
my friend Johnny got suspended for wearing
an 'Islanders Sucks' t-shirt.The teacher said to him,
'Young man, you will report to the office
and talk to the principal there.'

The principal said to Johnny,
'I'm ashamed.
Where's your brain
to wear such a slogan in a public place?
I called your mom.
There she is right now. She said,

'Johnny...
What can I say?
I'm in a state
of disarray.
You will be punished,
that's for sure.
But your father says he's proud
and the Rangers rule!'

Johnny
got suspended
for wearing
an 'Islanders Sucks' t-shirt.
Oh yes he did. (x4)

Johnny
got suspended
for wearing
an 'Islanders Sucks' t-shirt.
Oh yes he did. (x8)