Avalanche, Rangers Set for Rematch at Madison Square Garden NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers will meet for the second time in three weeks Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden in a cross-conference NHL matchup. The Avalanche (19-8-0) enter with the league’s second-best points percentage, despite a 6-3 road loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday that snapped a three-game win streak. Prior to that, Colorado had won eight of its last nine, outscoring opponents 40-17 over that dominant stretch. The Rangers (15-14-0), meanwhile, have found momentum with consecutive wins over Dallas and Ottawa after a 1-4-0 skid. They sit just outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Colorado won the previous meeting 6-3 in Denver on Nov. 20. Rangers forward J.T. Miller scored twice in that loss and is a key player to watch. He is riding a hot streak, recording four assists in his last two games, including a three-helper performance in Thursday’s 4-2 win at Ottawa. For the Avalanche, defenseman Cale Makar remains a constant threat. He had two assists in the Nov. 20 victory over New York and has five points in his last five games. The Rangers will need to contain a deep Colorado attack that has scored four or more goals in 10 of its last 13 games. New York’s recent success has been fueled by improved defense, allowing just four total goals in its two straight wins. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the Avalanche are projected for a 4-3 victory. The game kicks off a back-to-back for both clubs. Colorado travels to Philadelphia on Sunday, while the Rangers host Vegas. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST at Madison Square Garden.