Rangers, Islanders Set for Saturday Showdown at UBS Arena ELMONT, N.Y. (Interstat) — The New York Rangers and New York Islanders renew their rivalry Saturday at UBS Arena, with both teams looking to build momentum heading into the new year. The Islanders (20-17-0) enter with a slight edge in the standings and on home ice, while the Rangers (19-20-0) seek consistency after a streaky December. The matchup marks the second meeting this season; the Islanders dominated the first, shutting out the Rangers 5-0 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 8. Rangers center Vincent Trocheck arrives as one of the NHL’s hottest players. He is riding a five-game point streak (3 goals, 3 assists) and is coming off a three-point performance (2 goals, 1 assist) in Tuesday’s 7-3 road rout of the Washington Capitals. Trocheck has recorded a point in 8 of his last 10 contests. “He’s driving our offense right now, playing with a lot of confidence,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said of Trocheck. “We need that to continue against a structured opponent.” The Islanders will likely counter with goaltender David Rittich, who has been steady. Rittich made 28 saves in a 2-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday and has won two of his last three starts, posting a .931 save percentage in those victories. “He’s given us a chance every night he’s been in there,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. “In a rivalry game, you need your goalie to be your best penalty killer and your first line of defense. He’s been that.” The Rangers have shown a Jekyll-and-Hyde tendency lately, mixing decisive wins like those over Washington and Philadelphia with shutout losses to Vancouver and Chicago. Their 7-3 triumph Tuesday showcased their offensive potential, with Taylor Raddysh (2 goals, 1 assist) and Will Cuylle (1 goal, 2 assists) also starring alongside Trocheck. The Islanders have been more stable, winning three of their last four games. Their victory over New Jersey was a tight, defensive affair, with Simon Holmstrom and Adam Pelech each contributing a goal and an assist. Special teams could prove critical. The Rangers’ power play, fueled by Trocheck’s recent form, will test an Islanders penalty kill that successfully navigated three disadvantages against the Devils. This game opens a pivotal stretch for both clubs. Following Saturday, the Rangers embark on a difficult road trip to Carolina, Washington and Florida. The Islanders begin a four-game trip Sunday in Columbus. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST at UBS Arena in Belmont Park.