A Return to the Rivalry
EAST MEADOW, NY — Forward Anthony Duclair knows a thing or two about the New York Islanders’ rivalry with the New York Rangers, thanks to his short stint on Broadway. Drafted in the third round (No. 80) at the 2013 NHL Draft, Duclair played just 18 games for the Rangers before being traded to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Keith Yandle. Despite his brief time in New York, Duclair experienced the intense atmosphere that defines the Islanders-Rangers rivalry.
Preparing for the Battle
During the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break, Duclair dedicated himself to getting as close to 100 percent as possible. His efforts paid off when he returned to the ice, snapping an eight-game goal drought in the Islanders’ 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars. "It was nice to get a break, a reset, mentally, physically," Duclair said. "Anytime you can help your team on the score sheet, it’s always a good feeling. So I’m trying to keep that momentum and keep going tonight."
A Battle of Intensity
Duclair’s first taste of the Islanders-Rangers rivalry came on Oct. 14, 2014, at Madison Square Garden, where the Islanders secured a 6-3 victory. With the game tied at 2-2 after 40 minutes, the Islanders took control in the third period, scoring four straight goals. Kyle Okposo, Brock Nelson, Mikhail Grabovski, and Nick Leddy each found the back of the net, showcasing the team’s resilience and chemistry. "That first game, you could just tell the intensity, especially the first few shifts of the game, is always high. And you can tell by the fan base too, whether it’s at MSG or UBS that all the fans are very motivated and very passionate. You could feel it in the air, and it’s the same thing for us," Duclair reflected.
A Special Night Ahead
When the Islanders faced the Rangers at Madison Square Garden earlier this season, Duclair was sidelined due to a lower-body injury. However, Tuesday night’s game will be his first regular-season appearance in the rivalry on the other side. "I’m very excited. It’s always been a pretty cool rivalry, just from the outside looking in, but to be part of it, it’s gonna be pretty special," Duclair said. "It’s always a battle, looking at the highlights in these games. So these are the types of games that you really want the two points, and you really want to play as a team and play together. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there last time. But, it’s definitely one of those games that I think we all circle on our calendar."
Step Up in the Absence of Key Players
The Islanders will be counting on Duclair to step up, especially with Mathew Barzal out indefinitely due to a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old forward, who signed a four-year deal this summer worth $2.5 million annually, has been working diligently to overcome his own lower-body injury, which is expected to affect him for the remainder of the season. Duclair’s presence and performance will be crucial for the Islanders as they aim to secure a win and boost their standing in the Eastern Conference.
Looking Ahead
Puck drop for the highly anticipated Islanders-Rangers game is set for 7:30 PM ET. The rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a testament to the passion and dedication of both teams and their fans. As Duclair and his teammates prepare for the showdown, the focus is clear: teamwork, intensity, and a relentless drive to secure two crucial points. Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news, and more by adding us to your favorites on Google News.
