Friday Night Feature: Games to Watch

If there is one thing hockey fans love, it's a good rivalry match. Even with no skin in the game, rivalries ignite passion in any true fan of the game. Tonight will feature an epic rivalry in the Big Apple. The Islanders & the Rangers have a hated history, and their fans are engaged in it 24/7. With no holds barred, these two fanbases passionately defend their histories & violently attack that of the opposition.

Rangers fans typically resort to more recent successes as their basis point; the '94 Stanley Cup (sorry Canucks fans) & a dominant team in the 2008-2017 era. Meanwhile, the Islanders' fans still boast about winning 4 straight Cups in the 80's & about having a wagon of a team the past two seasons, though this season should be written off. According to Isles faithful, anyway. But this matchup isn't about standings points. Its' about street credit; who's getting it in their ear tomorrow morning? That sort of thing, Canadians know what I'm talking about.

This matchup is exciting for multiple reasons, however. For it features two up-and-coming Russian goaltenders who have both stormed onto the scene over the last two seasons. Islanders' G Ilya Sorokin, a product of CSKA Moscow of the KHL, has been stellar in his two seasons with NYI. In 65 career starts he sports a 35-20-10 record, with 2.26 GAA & .924 SV%. Which is extra impressive when one factors in how bad the Islanders have been this season. It's clearly not because of him.

On the other hand, Igor Shesterkin has been absolutely unreal, especially this season. In 93 starts, the SKA St. Petersburg product, is 58-25-6 with a 2.35 GAA & .928 SV%. This season, in particular, Igor has been otherworldly, as he's on pace for the best season for a goalie in 20 years.

These two have been battling forever, since they were kids in Russia & it's been a fun story to watch unfold. Unfortunately, NYI Sorokin is injured & will not play tonight, forcing the Islanders to start Semyon Varlamov in the second leg of a back-to-back.

Other interesting matchups for Friday night:

St. Louis Blues @ Edmonton Oilers

With the Oilers fighting for a playoff spot right now, they need every win they can get. And the Blues are a tough opponent, coming to town on a two-game win streak they'll be a difficult guest.

Vegas Golden Knights @ Seattle Kraken

The battle of the expansion teams! Speaking of teams fighting for their life, VGK has gone of the rails lately & look to do so against a down & out Seattle team. The two teams played two nights ago, when VGK shutout the Kraken 3-0.

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