A traditional rivalry will heat up the last 11 days of January. Starting tonight, the Islanders and Rangers will battle each other three different times. The first installment is at Madison Square Garden with heavy snow falling. Part II is slated for next Wednesday in the second part of the highly anticipated Stadium Series in the Bronx. The final part will take place again at MSG on the last day of the month.

For two bitter rivals who hate each other on the ice and in the stands, it could have a huge impact in the standings. Currently, the Blueshirts sit second in the Metro Division with 57 points one ahead of Philadelphia, five on Columbus and Washington, six up on New Jersey and eight on Carolina. The Islanders still have some work to do. They’re 7-2-1 over their last 10 to hike their point total to 47. They trail the Rangers by 10 but are just five off of the wildcard cutoff. The Blue Jackets sit in the final spot breaking a three-way tie due to the ROW tiebreaker with Detroit and Washington.

There’s plenty at stake. In fact, these three games over an 11-day span will conclude the season series. The two Battle Of New York archrivals split the first two with the road team prevailing in each. The Rangers took the first meeting 3-2 at The Coliseum on 10/29 and the Islanders exacted revenge by winning 5-3 at The Garden on 12/20. Given how tight the playoff race is, expect these games to be slugfests. Neither wants to lose ground. At this point, it’s more critical for the Islanders. They’re out of playoff position and must leap over several teams. The Rangers want to ride the momentum that’s seen them win seven of their last nine (7-1-1) and post a 9-2-1 mark over the last dozen.

With Henrik Lundqvist out sick, Cam Talbot gets his second consecutive start. He’ll be opposed by Kevin Poulin. The Islanders have made two changes to their lineup. Forward Peter Regin is in for Eric Boulton and vet defenseman Radek Martinek replaces Matt Carkner. Guess Jack Capuano figures Matt Martin is enough for Dan Carcillo. Alain Vigneault will stay with the same lineup that’s found chemistry. In an intriguing subplot, the Rangers scrambled for a backup signing journeyman David LeNeveu. Here are projected lines.

NY ISLANDERS

Kyle Okposo-John Tavares-Thomas Vanek

Peter-Regin-Frans Nielsen-Cal Clutterbuck

Josh Bailey-Brock Nelson-Michael Grabner

Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas-Colin McDonald

Andrew MacDonald-Brian Strait

Calvin De Haan-Matt Donovan

Thomas Hickey-Radek Martinek

Kevin Poulin

Anders Nilsson

NY RANGERS

Chris Kreider-Derek Stepan-Rick Nash

Carl Hagelin-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan

Benoit Pouliot-Derick Brassard-Mats Zuccarello

Brian Boyle-Dominic Moore-Dan Carcillo

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi

Marc Staal-Anton Stralman

Mike Del Zotto-John Moore

Cam Talbot

David LeNeveu