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New faces but same rivalry as Islanders host Rangers

Oct 10, 2007 - 1:26 PM Ny Rangers (1-1-0) at Ny Islanders (2-1-0) 7:00 pm EDT

UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Rangers and the New York Islanders will renew one of the NHL's most intense rivalries on Wednesday.

Both teams brought plenty of new faces into the adversarial battle this offseason.

The Rangers made a huge splash in free agency, signing centers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez to big contracts. Drury inked a five-year, $35.25 million deal and Gomez signed for $51.5 million over seven years.

The 30-year-old Drury, who scored a career-high 37 goals with the Buffalo Sabres last season, has tallied one goal - a game winner - and two assists in the Rangers' first two games. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, Gomez has been held pointless thus far.

The Islanders countered their Empire State rival by signing Bill Guerin, who was named the team captain just four days after agreeing on a two-year deal.

Drafted fifth overall by New Jersey in 1989, Guerin made the fourth All-Star Game appearance of his career last season, which he split between St. Louis and San Jose. The 36-year-old recorded 28 goals and 19 assists in 61 games with the Blues before being sent to the Sharks at the February 27 trade deadline.

Guerin has not scored a goal yet this season, but he has five assists. Another new addition, Mike Comrie, leads the club in scoring with four goals and two assists.

The Islanders are coming off their first loss of the season, a 2-1 defeat to the Washington Capitals on Monday afternoon. The Islanders outshot the Capitals, 31-12, in the contest.

The Rangers have had three days to reflect on Saturday's 2-0 setback to the Ottawa Senators.