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Islanders vs. Predators: Betting odds, lineups, Mathew Barzal owes them

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 29, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 4-0.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 18: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Islanders defeated the Coyotes 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Players to Watch

C. . New York Islanders. . Mathew Barzal

Mathew Barzal and Rasmus Dahlin were jawing at each other on Saturday night. So Barzal decided, with minutes left in the third period, that he would try to take out Dahlin. But instead of just finishing his check, Barzal rose and caught Dahlin in the head with his gloves.

It was a stupid and reckless play, one that could have cost his team a win. Buffalo would score to tie the game and send it to overtime. Thankfully, Anthony Beauvillier would notch the winner in OT.

Watch Barzal closely tonight. It will be interesting to see how he responds. Barry Trotz was quick, and right, to criticize Barzal’s decision to go after Rasmus Dahlin and take a two-minute minor. Barzal owes his team a big performance to make up for such a selfish and mindless play.

C. . Nashville Predators. . Matt Duchene

He was the big acquisition by the Nashville Predators over the summer. It was the NHL’s worst kept secret. Country music loving and acoustic guitar playing Matt Duchene wanted to go to Nashville. And so it was with a seven-year $56 million contract.

But Duchene hasn’t been the best version of himself on the ice. Over the last seven games, Duchene has a single point. With eight goals and 13 helpers, he’s on pace for 56 points. His lowest return since 2016-17 where he scored 41 points.

It’s fair to say he hasn’t been the player they were hoping to get with that big free-agent contract. But there’s still time, and Matt Duchene has a track record of starting slowly in new markets.

With a win over the Rangers, Duchene and crew might feel more confident than they have in a little while. A confident Matt Duchene can be dangerous.

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