“I think we’re gonna be in the playoffs and they’re not. That’s the most important thing.” -ISLES’ ARRON ASHAM

Not that the Islanders need extra motivation to play the Rangers – but tonight, they’ll have some anyway.

When the archrivals meet at Nassau Coliseum, the Isles will be looking to avoid their third-ever season sweep by the Blueshirts.

Twice in the rivalry’s history – in 1972-73 and 1998-99 – the Islanders ate the donut against the Rangers.

This year, the Rangers have beaten the Isles in all five of their previous meetings – about the only bright spots in the Blueshirts’ gloomy season.

Tonight is the final meeting between the two this year.

Most recently, the Isles suffered a 6-2 Garden defeat that featured an end-game melee.

“It’s not the best feeling, but I think our chances of making it to the playoffs are a lot better,” the Isles’ Arron Asham said.

“So they can beat us six times this year if they want, but I think we’re gonna be in the playoffs and they’re not. That’s the most important thing.

“This is a huge game for us,” Asham added.

“Montreal’s ahead of us and Buffalo is right behind us. We just have to worry about the two points and let all that other stuff worry about itself.”

* Isle coach Steve Stirling said he was “seriously considering” playing Eric Godard, who returned from a two-week conditioning assignment.