The Islanders defense is a bit underrated. Pelech is one of the better unheralded shutdown guys in the league who can anchor a top pair, like a Lindell or Pesce. Pulock is a solid two way guy to compliment that pair. Leddy is a good veteran. Mayfield is a solid defensive dman who plays tough. Greene may be on his last legs but he’s a damn sight better than Johnson. Dobson is a good young defender with nice upside. Varlamov is also underrated.
Not saying it’s all world, but they have good defense and good center depth with Barzal, Nelson, Pageau, Cizikas. I hate them as much as anyone but they’re a well coached team with decent talent and personnel that fit their system.
The Rangers roster has more TALENT, but on paper we have more holes, more questions marks, more rookies in key roles.
That's fair, they have the feeling of the 2011-12 Rangers who were much better than the sum of their parts because they had a good coach that had them play suffocating boring defense. They have a better #1 center but a worse goalie.