New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair found himself on the sidelines as a healthy scratch during the highly anticipated clash against the New York Rangers on March 3, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. This decision is notable for Duclair, who had signed a four-year contract over the summer, expecting to take on the role of first-line winger alongside stars Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal.
Duclair's season has been plagued by challenges. Earlier this year, he suffered from a lower-body injury, which sidelined him for 28 games. Upon returning, he faced more adversity as Barzal was recently placed on the injured list due to knee surgery, adding pressure to the team during this competitive period of the season.
Despite the high expectations, Duclair's production has been far from stellar. After 30 games this season, he managed to net only five goals and provide four assists, starkly contrasting with his previous seasons, where he tallied 24 goals with the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning last year and 31 goals with the Florida Panthers the season before.
Head coach Patrick Roy voiced his concerns directly, stating, "I think it’s a mixture of [the previous injury and his current play]. The fact he missed a lot of games, conditioning, and all this. I think it’s good for him to practice and skate. We’re going to need him down the road… He needs to practice hard and be ready when he plays.” Duclair had seen minimal ice time leading up to his benching, receiving just one shift during the final 10 minutes of the Islanders’ 7-4 victory over the Nashville Predators.
"I’m not happy with his play," Roy remarked following the Nashville game, underscoring the need for improvement.
Benchings at such pivotal moments can carry significant risks, especially for teams like the Islanders, who are battling to stay alive in the NHL playoff race. With the trade deadline looming, the Islanders are currently five points shy of the Eastern Conference Wild Card spot, positioned behind five other teams. If New York falters this week, it might trigger major changes, potentially seeing general manager Lou Lamoriello having to part with key players.
The Rangers, fresh off a commanding 5-1 victory over the Islanders less than two weeks prior on February 25, are also feeling the pressure. With hopes of making the playoffs, they are positioned at 10th place, just two points from the cut-off line. Both teams entered this pivotal matchup following strong performances against the Nashville Predators and varying results against the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Tonight’s game was not only about standings or rivalries; it was about the momentum each team needed heading forward. The Rangers, who made changes to their lineup—losing Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey to Colorado and bringing Calvin de Haan and Juuso Parssinen to fill their spots—were expected to showcase their strength. Calvin de Haan, who had been drafted by the Islanders as the 12th overall pick back in 2009, made headlines after earning an assist during his debut with the Rangers.
Notably, Reilly Smith was slated to sit out due to "roster management"—a careful strategy by Rangers’ management to keep players fresh as the season progresses. Yet even without Smith, the Rangers are eager to take full advantage against their cross-town rivals. A win here would be monumental for their playoff aspirations.
This matchup marked only the second time these two teams faced each other within the same week, and with stakes running high, the tension was palpable. For the Islanders, Duclair’s absence has raised questions about his future with the team, with fans eagerly wondering if he can reclaim his scoring ability. For the Rangers, each game is now pivotal if they are to see themselves reclaiming playoff position within the next few weeks.
With game time set for 7 p.m. at Madison Square Garden, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Fans tuning in via the MSG Network or NHL Network were primed for what promises to be another gripping chapter in the storied rivalry between the Islanders and Rangers. The stakes are clear: For the Islanders, securing points is non-negotiable; for Duclair, the road to redemption begins tonight.