This weekend the Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium will be at the center of the NHL universe. Two games and two great rivalries. Can you still call the Rangers and Islanders a rivalry still? This is the first time since 2022 the two teams have played. Thanks to the terrible new NHL scheduling. Absolutely crazy that an in-division rivalry like that can go a calendar year without playing, but it should be fun one!
Rangers Outdoor History
The Rangers are outdoor game pioneers. Their 1991 Las Vegas outdoor exhibition game against Wayne Gretzky’s LA Kings was the first outdoor game with two NHL teams playing against each other. That game led to the future creating of the Winter Classic and even further down the line, an NHL team landing in Vegas. In regular season games the Rangers are a perfect 4-0 outside. Although this will be their first outdoor game without the King, Henrik Lundqvist, who backstopped them to each of those wins. Sunday evening the Rangers will look to make it a perfect 5 for 5 with Igor Shesterkin playing the role of the outdoor King in net.
This will also be the second time the Rangers and Isles have faced off outside. The Rangers got the best of their Long Island rivals at Yankee Stadium in 2014, securing a 2-1 victory.
Unlikely Heroes
In the Rangers four outdoor games, there have been some unlikely heroes that have helped them to victory.
Mike Rupp
In their first Winter Classic game the 4th line grinder scored two goals and hit the Citizens Bank faithful with a Jagr Salute (who was playing for the Flyers). Just an all-time moment.
Daniel Carcillo
In the Rangers last outdoor game against the Islanders, another 4th liner took center stage. Daniel Carcillo broke a 1-1 tie in the 3rd period and scored the game winner in front of a rowdy Yankee Stadium crowd.
Paul Carey
In the Rangers second Winter Classic Paul Carey got the Rangers on the board first and Citi Field erupted. That game was the first where the Rangers (even though for NYC tax reasons they were considered away) were the hometown team. Their precious games were in Philly or against two local teams that were well represented in the stands. At Citi Field it was 40,000 Rangers fans. Carey’s goal kick started the day and J.T. Miller capped it off with an OT winner.
Next Outdoor Chapter
Who will be the unlikely hero this year? Adam Edstrom? Matt Rempe? Jonny Brodzinski? Should be a great time, 80,000 fans reigniting a great rivalry.
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