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3 Up And 3 Down: Who's Hot And Who's Not In New York Sports

By Daniel Friedman
» More Columns

Taking a look at who's hot and who's not on the NY/NJ sports landscape:

THREE UP:

1. Rangers, Islanders

New York Islanders
The New York Islanders leave the ice after defeating the Washington Capitals 4-3 in overtime in a game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on December 29, 2014 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Blueshirts had won eight in a row before a loss at Dallas. Suffice it to say, the defending Eastern Conference champions are back. Meanwhile, the Islanders blew their fourth three-goal lead of December, but held on to beat the Washington Capitals. The win puts them in a tie with Pittsburgh for first place in the Metropolitan Division.

2. Nets

Sacramento Kings v Brooklyn Nets
Mason Plumlee #1 of the Brooklyn Nets dunks in the first half during a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Barclays Center on December 29, 2014. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Brooklyn appears to be turning a corner, picking up their fourth win in the last five games by beating Sacramento 107-99.

3. Geno Smith

Geno-Smith
Quarterback Geno Smith #7 of the New York Jets throws in the third quarter during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

It might be too little, too late. But Geno came up big on Sunday, posting a perfect QB rating in a victory over Miami.

THREE DOWN: 

1. Rex Ryan, John Idzik

Rex Ryan, John Idzik
Rex Ryan (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images), John Idzik (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

If you thought you had a bad Monday, these guys lost their jobs. Personally, I thought Rex deserved another shot. As for Idzik, getting rid of him was absolutely the right call. With that, the Jets begin anew.

2. Devils

Lou Lamoriello
Lou Lamoriello (Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images)

Head coach Peter DeBoer was let go and replaced by a committee of three coaches, including Lou Lamoriello. This franchise needs to hit the reset button, and I'm not sure that can happen while the aforementioned Lamoriello is still around.

3. Knicks

New York Knicks v Portland Trail Blazers
Chris Kaman #35 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots against the New York Knicks on December 28, 2014 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

Eight losses in a row. They can't get much worse ... can they?

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