Islanders Prepare for Rangers Amid Injury Struggles

The New York Islanders face the New York Rangers in a Metropolitan Division matchup, with the Rangers boasting a strong start at 7-2-1 and a +17 scoring differential. The Islanders, currently at 4-5-2, are struggling with a -7 scoring differential and are dealing with injuries to key defensemen. During a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres, Islanders' defensemen Adam Pelech and Mike Reilly were both injured, with Reilly leaving the ice after a hit from Jordan Greenway. Greenway's initial five-minute penalty for the hit was rescinded upon review, and although Reilly was stretchered off, he managed to leave the ice with help. Despite these challenges, Alexander Romanov, who also took a hit, returned to the game. Reilly, yet to score this season, has been a top-four defense option, averaging over 16 minutes of ice time per game.