The Battle Of New York renews later tonight when the Islanders pay a visit to MSG against the Rangers. Thus far, it’s Long Island part of the rivalry that’s off to a good start. The Islanders swept a home and home from the Hurricanes posting 5-3 and 4-3 victories. Already, eight different players have goals with sophomore Brock Nelson out quickly with a team-leading three to go with three assists. Playing on the top line with John Tavares and Kyle Okposo, Nelson has benefited.

The Islanders have gotten impressive play from ex-Bruin Johnny Boychuk. The gritty defenseman already is paying dividends with a goal and four helpers. So far, so good for Isles’ general manager Garth Snow, who stole Boychuk from the Bruins in salary dump. New acquisitions Mikhail Grabovski and Cory Conacher each have a goal. Josh Bailey also has tallied. A streaky forward, he’s still a key player capable of contributing. The Islanders are still without Michael Grabner and defensemen Lubomir Visnovsky and Calvin de Haan. New goalie Jaroslav Halak makes his second start. Backup Chad Johnson gave him Saturday off.

While things are looking good for their blood rival, that hasn’t been the case for the Rangers. Losers of two straight, they look to rebound from a nightmarish 6-3 humiliation to Toronto in a forgettable home opener. That followed a disjointed effort at Columbus. Since Dan Boyle went down, the defense has struggled mightily giving up far too many quality chances and turning over pucks. Top tandem Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi are each without points and both minus-three. Typically, convenient Stanley Cup scapegoat Girardi has received ridiculous criticism. Apparently, our fans have very short memories. Granted, Danny G struggled against the Kings. But was far from alone.

Outside of the newly formed top line of new Dad Rick Nash, Marty St. Louis and hotshot rookie Anthony Duclair, there haven’t been many standouts. Nash is off to a great start scoring in each game pacing the Blueshirts with four goals and an assist. St. Louis has three assists since shifting to center with Derek Stepan out. He is also 18-and-18 on faceoffs. Not too shabby for a veteran right wing. With Mats Zuccarello returning to the lineup, coach Alain Vigneault has opted to keep Duclair with St. Louis and Nash. Given his whirlwind talent, I agree completely. After all, I suggested it.

Interestingly, Vigneault will play Zuccarello on the third line with freshman Kevin Hayes and Carl Hagelin. Rather than reuniting him with Derick Brassard, who’ll be flanked by the suggested Chris Kreider and steady vet Lee Stempniak, it looks like Vigneault is searching for balance. I’d love to see what a line of Kreider, Brassard and Zuccarello can do. But that’ll have to wait. With J.T. Miller off to a poor start, he sits tonight. Ryan Malone replaces him on the fourth line and will play with Dominic Moore and Tanner Glass. The Rangers can definitely use his size and grit. Malone had a good camp. Now, he finally gets his chance. With Zuccarello back in, Jesper Fast also sits.

There’s no doubt the defense has struggled. Kevin Klein hasn’t distinguished himself since being moved up with Marc Staal, who’s been their best blueliner so far. Vigneault made one other change dressing Mike Kostka in place of Matt Hunwick. Kostka partners with John Moore, who needs to pick it up.

Whenever these rivals get together, it’s always fun. With the Islanders improved and off to their best start since ’07-08, it should make for an intriguing match-up. They boast improved scoring and defensive depth. Keep an eye on Frans Nielsen and Ryan Strome. Twenty-year old Griffin Reinhart also is worth watching. Of course, most eyes will be on Tavares, who already has five points (1-4-5). He always seems to play well against the Rangers. It should be a good test for McDonagh and Girardi, who need a big game. With Boyle out, there’s even more pressure.

After being chased Sunday, Henrik Lundqvist gets his third start. He’s allowed eight goals on 49 shots with most of the damage the other night. You know he’ll be ready to go. Former BONY blogger Steve Lepore noted that this could be one of the top 20 games of the season. He also couldn’t understand why NBCSN chose Buffalo at Carolina for their game over Islanders/Rangers. Obviously, our game would draw more interest. Instead, MSG has coverage from both ends.