The San Jose Sharks impressed over four consecutive wins to open the season but looked rather flat in a 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders at Barclays Center Saturday. The New York Rangers opened the season on song as well winning three straight before going a win-less 0-2-1 over their last three. Home-ice advantage should not underestimated here and I'm backing the home-team to end its three game skid.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational - The Sharks will conclude a four-game road-swing here at MSG Monday night before facing off against division-rivals the Los Angeles Kings Thursday. Their heads are probably back in California already while the Rangers will be looking to make amends after a blistering 2-1 OT loss in the Hudson River rivalry against the Devils yesterday.

2. Back-To-Back Masters - It's not often backing teams playing on back-to-back days is a winning proposition, but the Rangers are an exception to that rule. They're 50-22 in their last 72 games playing on no days rest and could go with Henrik Lundqvist in net for a seventh straight game here as he'll get some additional rest since yesterday's game was in the afternoon.

3. X-Factor - The Sharks have won only four of their last 13 visits to MSG.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Rangers (Free)