Prior to the season, hopes were high for both Battle Of New York teams. The Rangers were moving on from a defensive style under John Tortorella to a higher tempo emphasizing more offense under Alain Vigneault. The Islanders were looking to take the next step after a strong first round against the Penguins.

Instead, both classic rivals have underachieved. The Rangers bring a mediocre 16-7-2 record into tonight’s match at MSG. They are a disappointing fifth in the Metro Division with 34 points outside the playoffs. Remarkably, the Flyers have moved all the way up to third and the Hurricanes sit fourth. Four total points separate third from sixth with the Devils tied with the Blueshirts and the Blue Jackets with 32. Meanwhile, the Islanders have been a train wreck losing 13 of their last 15 including a gut wrenching 3-2 shootout home loss to the Lightning. They’re 9-19-7 with a measly 25 points ranking 15th in the East. Only the Sabres are worse.

Obviously, this game takes on significance for both clubs. The Rangers continue to struggle at the remodeled Garden bringing a 6-9-2 mark into play. That includes a 1-3-2 record on a nine-game home stand. At least they showed signs of life posting a comeback shootout win over the Flames and clawing back from two goals down to earn a point in a shootout loss to the first place Pens. The Islanders are searching for anything. What better way to get out of a funk than by beating their crosstown nemesis. It’s only the second meeting of five. The Rangers took the first on Oct. 29 posting a 3-2 win at Nassau Coliseum. In Carl Hagelin’s return, he set up Benoit Pouliot’s winner at 13:46 of the third period.

The teams will meet three times next month between Jan. 21-31 with the second installment of the Stadium Series hosted by the Islanders at Yankee Stadium on 1/29. The Rangers also host the Islanders on Jan. 21 and 31 with the last day of January marking the final game of the season series. Odd considering it’s an Olympic season with plenty of action in March and April.

Both clubs don’t score much. The Rangers rank 28th in offense with 79 goals while the Islanders enter with 85. If there is a notable difference, it’s the goaltending where the Blueshirts feature Henrik Lundqvist. Even in a down year, he’s more than capable of stealing a game. The Rangers need him to be their best player. He’s coming off a strong performance. The Islanders just got Evgeni Nabokov back. He’s looked better since returning but a shaky defense can break down at any moment.

Offensively, John Tavares is one of the best players in the league. Despite playing on a dreadful team without secondary help, the first-year Islander captain has done his part tied with Alex Ovechkin and Alex Steen for fifth in scoring with 38 points (13-25-38). It always is fun to see him matched up against a Rangers D that features Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi along with underrated Anton Stralman. Tavares centers USA Olympic hopeful Kyle Okposo and Thomas Vanek. The Rangers must key on that line.

Whenever these teams meet, Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey usually factor in. Nielsen has had a good season while Bailey has disappointed. The Rangers must also beware of Michael Grabner, who’s always a dangerous shorthanded threat. Even in a dreadful year, he has breakaway speed that bares watching.

Brad Richards leads the Rangers with nine goals and 26 points. As expected, he’s bounced back. But his defensive play has slipped. Vigneault has mixed up his lines shifting Richards to a third line with recalled forward J.T. Miller and Pouliot. Their best forward has been Mats Zuccarello, whose 23 points rank second. His willingness to score in front and playmaking skills have been on display. Zuccarello will play on a line with Derek Stepan and slumping forward Rick Nash. Nash is as talented as they get but has been inconsistent. After showing positive signs following his return from a concussion, he’s disappeared for stretches. The Rangers expect a lot better than six goals and six assists in 18 games. Even if the talent isn’t ideal, Nash must raise his level.

The third line will be anchored by Derick Brassard, who plays with Hagelin and Chris Kreider. This line has potential. Brassard has been up and down but is coming off a good game scoring the tying power play goal Wednesday. After struggling mightily, Hagelin has scored in two straight. In his first full season, Kreider has eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points. That puts him in a five-way tie for third in rookie scoring. Injured Sharks freshman Tomas Hertl is the frontrunner pacing all rookies in goals (15) and points (25). He’s expected to miss a month following a knee on knee collision with Dustin Brown. Avs’ number one overall pick Nathan MacKinnon is second with 20 points (7-13-20). Strong competition comes from Torey Krug, Tyler Johnson, Valeri Nichushkin, Alex Chiasson, Tyler Toffoli, Sean Monahan, Aleksander Barkov and Devil defenseman Eric Gelinas.

Brian Boyle, Dominic Moore and Derek Dorsett comprise the fourth line. With Arron Asham going back down to Hartford, that probably makes the most sense. Vigneault has yet to find the right balance offensively. It would be nice to see Miller stick this time. He possesses good playmaking skills and isn’t shy about going to the net. It would help if Pouliot continues his upswing. With Dylan McIlrath sent back for the weekend, the top six are McDonagh, Girardi, Stralman, John Moore, Mike Del Zotto and Justin Falk. As for Marc Staal, there’s still nothing new to report. So much for Vigneault’s assertion that the concussion was “minor.”

An interesting note from Pat Leonard’s Blueshirts Blog. Zuccarello has been moved up to the first power play unit. He flips with Kreider, who will be stationed in front on the second unit. Also, with the change Nash is expected to play in front. That’s how it should be. The full power play units are as follows:

Nash-Stepan-Zuccarello McDonagh-Richards

Brassard-Pouliot-Kreider Del Zotto-Girardi

Taylor Pyatt is a healthy scratch. His days could be numbered. Glen Sather had a chat with him the other day.

For the Islanders, Nabokov opposes Lundqvist in net. Casey Cizikas and Matt Carkner are in for Peter Regin and Aaron Ness. It’s Game 3 for Ryan Strome. He’s without a point so far but makes his Garden debut.