Forward Cores:
– Rangers:
– Top Line: Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Reilly Smith
– Second Line:Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafreniere
– Third Line: Will Cuylle, Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko
– Fourth Line: Jimmy Vesey, Sam Carrick, Matt Rempe
– Islanders:
– Top Line: Anthony Duclair, Bo Horvat, Mat Barzal
– Second Line: Maxim Tsyplakov, Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri
– Third Line: Anders Lee, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Pierre Engvall
– Fourth Line: Kyle MacLean, Casey Cizikas, Hudson Fasching
The Rangers’ top line is noted for its uncertainty with the addition of Reilly Smith, while the Islanders’ top line of Lee-Horvat-Barzal is projected to be strong with Duclair’s addition. The Rangers’ second line is highlighted as superior due to Panarin’s continued high performance and rising stars in Trocheck and Lafreniere. The Islanders’ third line is seen as having potential if Lee performs well, while the Rangers’ third line has more upside but less certainty. Overall, the Rangers are favored due to their stronger second line and greater potential in the bottom six.
Defense Cores:
– Rangers:
– Top Pair: Ryan Lindgren, Adam Fox
– Second Pair: K’Andre Miller, Braden Schneider
– Third Pair: Zac Jones, Jacob Trouba
– Islanders:
– Top Pair: Alexander Romanov, Noah Dobson
– Second Pair: Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock
– Third Pair: Mike Reilly, Scott Mayfield
The Islanders’ top pairing has been solid but was impacted by injuries last season. Fox’s health is key for the Rangers, who could have a stronger top pairing if he rebounds. The Islanders’ second pair of Pelech and Pulock is solid but aging, while the Rangers’ Miller and Schneider are younger with high potential. The third pairs are considered even, with both teams having veterans with injury concerns.
Goaltending Tandems:
– Rangers:
– Starter: Igor Shesterkin
– Backup: Jonathan Quick
– Islanders:
– Starter: Ilya Sorokin
– Backup: Semyon Varlamov
Shesterkin is seen as having a higher ceiling and is likely to have a strong season, while Sorokin’s performance is expected to rebound. Varlamov is considered a stronger backup compared to Quick, but Shesterkin’s upside gives the Rangers a slight edge overall.
Summary:
The Rangers are generally seen as having a stronger roster due to their forward depth, particularly in the second line, and their goaltending situation. The Islanders have a solid top line and defensive core but face concerns with injuries and overall depth. Both teams have potential, but the Rangers are favored for a higher overall performance in the upcoming season.