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New York Islanders: Hot vs. Hot Tonight in Columbus

Feb 9, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) shoots as Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) reaches for the puck during the third period at Nationwide Arena. New York beat Columbus 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) shoots as Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) reaches for the puck during the third period at Nationwide Arena. New York beat Columbus 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Can you believe that the New York Islanders are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now? However, their opponent tonight is just as red-hot. It’s best meets best down in Columbus tonight.

Just a few weeks ago the New York Islanders were at the bottom of the league with no hope of escape. And now the Islanders are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, go figure.

Between November 28th and now, December 10th, the Islanders are 5-0-1. Winning against teams they had no business winning against based on their 30th rank. Except maybe the Calgary Flames. The Flames were a mess when we beat them.

But the Penguins, Capitals, Rangers, and the Blues were all in the top ten when the Islanders beat them. Call us giant-killers, or call us “finally pulling our weight” whatever you say, it’s nice to finally earn some respect around the league. Until Vegas decides to crash the party.

Money Line Narrative

New York Islanders +140/-160 Columbus Blue Jackets

At the time of writing the line on the game puts the Blue Jackets as heavy favorites with a -160, which equates to a 61.5% odd that the Blue Jackets win tonight.

Considering the Jackets have lost a total of nine games in regulation and overtime all season that line makes sense. Going a familiar 5-0-1 in their last six helps that line creep up into the heavy favorites zone.

Then considering Columbus is first in the league on the powerplay with a 24.6% efficiency rating. And the Isles have a respectable, but low, 13th overall penalty kill efficiency at 83.3%, the Blue Jackets slowly start to entrench themselves on the “they gonna win this game” territory of your mind.

Winning this game is possible, regardless of who the favorite is. So long as the Islanders stay disciplined and keep themselves out of the penalty box they’ll significantly reduce Columbus’ advantage.

New York Islanders Potential Lineup:

Bailey-Tavares-Nelson        Leddy-Hamonic
Ladd-Beauvillier-Prince      Hickey-Boychuck
Kulemin-Quine-Chimera    de Heen-Seidenberg
Lee-Cizikas-Clutterbuck     Halak (Greiss)

Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Lineup:

Saad-Wennberg-Bjorkstrand    Werenski-Jones
Jenner-Dubinsky-Atkinson         Johnson-Savard
Hartnell-Karlsson-Anderson     Murray-Nutivaara
Calvert-Sedlak-Gagner                Bobrovsky (McElhinney)

Next: The Emergence of Lee (Winners and Losers)

Where To Watch the Game:

Live: 7 p.m. Nationwide Arena
TV: MSG+
Radio: 970AM – The Answer, 88.7FM – WRHU, 103.9FM – LI News

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