The "Battle of New York' featuring the Islanders and the Rangers is set for Thursday night as the two NHL rivals face off at Madison Square Garden.

Keeping Panarin out of the lineup for roster management purposes now means the Rangers are either close to moving him or protecting him from injury because of the intent to trade him. "The team decided to go in a different direction," Panarin said following a 6-3 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 17. "I'm OK with that."

Your daily briefing on what's going on with Boston College athletics and how to watch the Eagles.

Is there a more polarizing player on the New York Rangers roster than Alexis Lafreniere? Especially now that the Rangers

If the Rangers' trade deadline activity is shaping up to be a fireworks show, then they have lit the first sparkler. It's not the big flash-bang we're all anticipating, but it's a sign of what's to come.

The NHL opens the week with a five-game slate on Monday night. I closed last week with a 2-1 night on Friday thanks to the Golden Knights winning in Mitch Marne

Though there’s not much to like about the current situation with the freefalling New York Rangers, it does create opportunities