- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
NY Rangers (22-25-6) at NY Islanders (28-19-5)
- When: Jan 28 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: UBS Arena, Belmont Park, NY, USA
- TV: MSGSN
NY Rangers vs NY Islanders NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: NY Islanders -147
Spread: NY Islanders -1.5 (+173)
Total: 6.0
New York Islanders Betting Breakdown
The Islanders enter this rivalry matchup trending in the right direction and holding firm control of their playoff destiny. A shutout win over Philadelphia stopped a brief slide and pushed New York further up the Metropolitan Division standings. Defensive stability has become a priority, and the addition of Carson Soucy gives the Islanders valuable blue line depth at a time when injuries have tested their back end.
This team has embraced tighter, playoff-style hockey and has been comfortable winning lower-event games. With the Islanders protecting home ice and pushing for postseason positioning, this matchup carries real urgency and focus.
New York Rangers Betting Breakdown
The Rangers arrive in a much different situation, still searching for consistency after a rough stretch that has dropped them to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. While they showed some fight with an overtime win against Boston, the bigger picture points to a team transitioning toward future assets and roster reshaping.
Moving Soucy signals a shift in direction, and with several key players nearing free agency, the Rangers are navigating uncertain ground. Effort has not been the issue, but defensive lapses and uneven play continue to make results hard to trust on a nightly basis.
NHL Prediction and Betting Outlook
With one team pushing toward the playoffs and the other adjusting to a retooling phase, the edge clearly favors the Islanders at home. Expect a competitive rivalry game, but one where structure and motivation matter most.
Score Prediction: Islanders 3, Rangers 2
Pick: NY Islanders (-147)
Total: Under 6.0 (+100)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
