I didn’t see most of the second meeting between classic rivals. However, what looked promising turned into a point lost for the Blueshirts, who had their three-game win streak snapped. Tavares pumped home his team-leading eighth and won the shootout to end the Islanders’ five-game slide. What more could they ask for than a win over their nemesis in enemy territory? It also ended an eight-game losing streak at The Garden.

John Tortorella went with Marty Biron. For a period, it looked like a great move. The Blueshirts scored twice in a strong first period. Dan Girardi tallied his first and Marian Gaborik registered his club-leading seventh. Anytime they play the Islanders, a two-goal lead is never safe. Especially for our side. What do you know? Just as I checked Twitter on the ride back from Long Island, I see a concerned tweet from a Ranger fan about the team needing to wake up.

If you let Colin McDonald score 29 seconds into a period, it’s usually not the best sign. I responded to the tweet with a come on. Apparently, the Rangers had another two-man advantage. Like Bill Murray’s infamous Phil character from Groundhog Day, they saw their shadow.

An instant later, Tavares tied the game on a two-on-one. Biron later admitted that he should’ve had it. Our backup caught a lot of flak from a select few who can’t be real fans. Biron’s been a solid citizen behind Henrik Lundqvist, who can’t start every night. Those who gave Marty a Bronx cheer following the all too predictable third consecutive goal by Islander forward Brad Boyes should never be allowed back into MSG. Get off the bandwagon and bury yourselves!

Fortunately for true Blueshirts, Tortorella didn’t put in Lundqvist. Instead, Biron steadied himself and the power play actually showed a pulse. No coincidence that it was thanks to hard working Swede Carl Hagelin. After a slow start, what a turnaround. Hags converted his fifth at the doorstep, squeaking the puck past Evgeni Nabokov. His timely goal along with some strong stops from Biron especially on Tavares allowed them to gain a valuable point.

By the time I reached my car in Park Slope, I caught an exciting conclusion to regulation. It was mostly Hagelin who created opportunities for Rick Nash and Derek Stepan late. His play is infectious. When you combine it with the splendid skills of Nash, it gives Stepan more room. It’s that line that’s the Rangers’ best with Brad Richards all but invisible. Despite setting up Gaborik’s seventh, he only saw one shift in the third. Tortorella sent him out for three in overtime.

The OT was crazy. Both sides had great chances to win it. However, neither could capitalize taking it to a shootout. This time, it went to the opponent. The Islanders beat Biron twice. First, super shooter Frans Nielsen went upstairs. Following Nabokov stops on Gaborik and Nash, Tavares sealed it with a laser giving his team an important win.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Lubomir Visnovsky, NYI (assist)
2nd Star-Carl Hagelin, NYR (PPG-5th of season, assist)
1st Star-John Tavares, NYI (8th of season plus shootout clincher)

Notes: As expected, Brian Boyle returned replacing Chris Kreider. Tortorella was pleased with Boyle, who went 9 for 17 on faceoffs and registered eight hits. I still am not sure if this is such a good development. You don’t want to mess with Kreider’s psyche. His development is much more important. … Arron Asham stepped up the ladder and fought Eric Boulton. … Jeff Halpern (11-and-2) helped the Rangers control faceoffs. They went 44 and 32. … Islanders blocked 21 shots including four from Andrew MacDonald. … Matt Martin delivered nine hits. 20 less than the Rangers. … J.T. Miller took part in his fifth game. It would be a mistake to send him down.