The Rivalry: What more of a storyline can there be for the Islanders and Rangers beside the historic hatred that these teams have shown each other? Both teams get up for these games, and the Islanders will need to draw off the energy of a sell-out crowd to help propel them to grab the much needed two points at stake.

Scoring leaders: The Islanders have two players - Tavares at 14 and Parenteau at 22 - in the top 30 scorers in the NHL. Only one Ranger has at least 50 points - Marion Gaborik. He is also the only Ranger in the leagues top scorers at 30.  

In the locker room: The buzz in the locker room on Thursday was that every game from here on out is must-win. The playoffs are this team's goal, and many of the players talked about the game-by-game climb they will need to make to go on a run.

Carl Hagelin scored two goals as the New York Rangers shut out the Islanders 3-0 at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 26, 2011. Marian Gaborik added an empty-netter for insurance and both goalies, Evgeni Nabokov and Henrik Lundqvist, made 28 saves.

Travis Hamonic on whether or not he can play Friday: "That's a decision that will be up to Cappy and the coaching staff. I had a great week of practice. I had to show them that my conditioning level is there. I tried to show that my timing is there. I’m ready to step in whenever called upon.”

Parenteau on being ready for Friday: “We know what’s at stake here.  We know it’s a big rivalry and we know that the crowd is gonna be going. Guys are excited for this game, we talked about it this morning. There will be a full house. You can’t ask for a better scenario.”