The winning streak is over. Outmatched by the Islanders, the Rangers couldn’t come up with the equalizing goal in a game they had every opportunity to win. The game-tying goal came on an unfortunate high stick from Daniel Girardi on Mike Comrie, which put the Rangers down two men and left the door wide open for Ruslan Fedotenko to slam the puck home.

Miroslav Satan netted the winner from the high slot, taking advantage of the Rangers defensive breakdown. The Islanders put on a lot of pressure and displayed an impressive forecheck that yielded results. The Rangers didn’t exactly slouch tonight, but their game showed some holes and their opponent took full advantage. The Islander players put on a good show and earned both points, but the picture was the same in the Coliseum stands, where the camera cut to an Islander fan flipping his middle finger at a Ranger fan in response to the game-winner. Pure class … as we’ve come to expect from that club’s supporters.

Henrik Lundqvist again played well, and neither did his team mail it in … but their performance simply wasn’t enough to earn the win. Heading home tonight, they’ll have plenty to think about; everything that still needs to come together for the Rangers is evidenced in the moments where their play broke down.

Six games remain in this New York derby, and while the ultimate goal for either team is to make the playoffs and vie for the cup, winning the season series is definitely sweet icing atop any other accomplishment. Full advantage to the Islanders in games one and two. The Rangers still have work to do.