Roster Rundown
Columbus Blue Jackets hit the ice with a mix of seasoned talent and young blood. Mathieu Olivier, known for his physical edge, has been a crucial cog with his gritty forechecking and ability to crash the net. Kirill Marchenko, lighting up the lamp with 25 goals this season, emerges as a sniper threat, while Ivan Provorov anchors the blue line, clocking an impressive 22 minutes per game. Between the pipes, Daniil Tarasov has stepped up, boasting a .915 save percentage. Notably absent, Elvis Merzlikins with an upper-body injury and Damon Severson nursing a sore knee, could leave gaps in defense.
For the
New York Islanders, Mathew Barzal leads the charge with his slick passing and sharp hockey IQ, contributing 60 points so far. Bo Horvat adds muscle to the offense, netting 28 goals. On defense, Noah Dobson is a stalwart, averaging 24 minutes on ice, while Ilya Sorokin stands tall in net, flaunting a .920 save percentage. Missing from action are Anthony Duclair with a lingering ailment and Scott Mayfield due to suspension, which could challenge their depth.
Head-to-Head
Columbus Blue Jackets and
New York Islanders have tangled in 45 games since 2010. Islanders hold the upper hand, securing 26 wins to Blue Jackets' 19. Their rivalry has been a seesaw, with each squad finding their moments to shine.
Recent Form
Columbus is riding high, winning four of their last five: a 4-1 triumph over Washington Capitals, a commanding 7-0 win again against Capitals, a tight 3-2 victory over Buffalo Sabres, and a 5-2 win against Ottawa Senators. Their lone stumble was a 4-0 loss to Senators.
Islanders, on the flip side, have struggled with consistency. They’ve managed victories against New Jersey Devils (1-0) and Washington Capitals (4-1), but dropped games to Philadelphia Flyers (4-3), New York Rangers (9-2), and Nashville Predators (7-6).
Wrap-Up
Columbus Blue Jackets seem to have found their stride, stringing together solid performances, though their defense might be tested with Merzlikins and Severson sidelined. Islanders’ form wavers, with Barzal trying to spark the offense amid defensive lapses. Sorokin's been a rock, yet he’ll need more support in front. This matchup might hinge on whose depth can plug the gaps.
Summary
This contest could tip in favor of Columbus, given their recent surge and Islanders' inconsistencies. Jackets' offensive firepower might exploit the defensive absences on the Islanders' side. But, as they say, gotta bury those chances when they come. Islanders must tighten up defensively, or Blue Jackets could skate away with it.
Match Odds Columbus Blue Jackets – New York Islanders
Leon's odds are - on Columbus Blue Jackets triumphing on their territory.
At this moment our odds are equal to - on New York Islanders visiting team's winning.
Draw odds are -.
