Islanders vs. Blue Jackets: Betting odds, lineups, defense please

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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: Thomas Greiss #1 of the New York Islanders looks on during their game against the Edmonton Oilers at the NYCB’s LIVE Nassau Coliseum on October 08, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Players to Watch

. New York Islanders. . Thomas Greiss. G

Greiss didn’t have a good outing the last time he was in the crease for the Islanders. Against the Predators, he faced 15 shots and allowed five goals for a 0.667SV%.

For the first time this season, Barry Trotz broke his goalie rotation against the Anaheim Ducks. It should have been Thomas Greiss‘ start, but Trotz gave the net to Semyon Varlamov.

I’m sure Greiss is pleased for his teammate, but there’s one thing we know about professional athletes; all they want to do is play. By missing what should have been his turn, Greiss is certainly going to feel motivated to prove he deserves back-to-back starts over Varlamov.

. Pierre-Luc-Dubois. C. . Columbus Blue Jackets

He’s becoming that two-way top-six center the Blue Jackets drafted third overall in 2016. With the exodus that went on at the club last season, Dubois had to step up this year, and he has.

Over his last five games, he has seven points. With 25 over 36 games, he’s on pace for 57 by years end. That’s lower than his 64 from last season, but again, the Blue Jackets are missing a ton of firepower up front.

If the Blue Jackets are going to get a ‘W’ tonight, they’ll need their third overall pick from 2016 to be a game-changer for them.