NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Rangers decisively defeated the New York Islanders 4-0 on March 3, 2025, firmly asserting their place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Will Cuylle and Will Borgen scored early to set the tone of the match, and Igor Shesterkin's standout performance between the pipes ensured his fourth shutout of the season.
The Rangers struck first with 4:57 left in the opening period, benefiting from some fortunate puck luck. Zac Jones fired a shot from the point, which deflected off Kyle Palmieri and then hit Cuylle's helmet, leading to the opening goal. Borgen extended the lead to two with 45 seconds remaining before intermission, taking advantage of a shorthanded opportunity. He received a drop pass from Sam Carrick and fired the puck past goalie Ilya Sorokin, marking his fourth goal of the season.
J.T. Miller added to the Rangers' tally at 3:43 of the third period, beating Sorokin from the right side. The game’s final nail was hammered by Artemi Panarin, who scored during an empty-net situation with 5:09 to go, giving him his 25th goal of the season.
Following this match, the Rangers improved their record to 7-3-0 over their last ten games, earning them a tie with the Detroit Red Wings for the second wild card spot. Panic loomed for the Islanders, who suffered their fifth loss over the last seven contests and found themselves five points adrift of the playoffs.
A significant moment came midway through the first period when Anders Lee of the Islanders seemingly scored the opening goal. The Rangers challenged the play, claiming offside, which led officials to overturn the goal and maintain the score at 0-0, showcasing the importance of strategic calls at this competitive juncture.
The performance of Igor Shesterkin was pivotal; the goalie notched 21 saves, marking his contribution as the Rangers recorded back-to-back shutouts. Even as head coach Peter Laviolette appreciated Cuylle's first goal, stating, "A real beauty, one he'll probably always cherish," Shesterkin's consistency was the backbone of the team's defensive strategy, highlighted by 22 blocked shots throughout the game.
“It just gives us confidence,” said Will Borgen after the game. “We know we have to play every game like it’s the playoffs.” Indeed, with the trade deadline looming, the significance of each match escalates as teams position themselves for postseason contention, across what is considered one of the tightest playoff races seen this season.
For the Islanders, this defeat only adds pressure, especially after they had been just three points behind the Blueshirts before the puck dropped on this game. Their challenge intensifies as they continue to grapple with inconsistent performances, now having lost seven of their last eight meetings with their New York rivals.
Next up, the Rangers will host the Washington Capitals and their formidable star, Alex Ovechkin, on March 5, 2025, eager to build on the solid momentum from their recent victories. The Islanders, on the other hand, face league-best Winnipeg on March 4, 2025, hoping to return to winning ways.
This matchup exemplifies the fierce competition for playoff spots within the NHL, where each game can sway the outcomes of teams and players alike. The Rangers’ harmonious blend of offense and defense reflects their determination to secure their playoff aspirations, whereas the Islanders must regain their form to remain relevant in the playoff picture.