Islanders vs. Maple Leafs: Betting odds, lines, Can Mathew Barzal dominate again?

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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) /

Players to Watch

New York Islanders. . Mathew Barzal. C.

The last time the New York Islanders were in Toronto to play the Maple Leafs, Mathew Barzal dominated proceedings. In less than eight minutes of the second frame, Barzal put up three unanswered goals. It was an absolutely dominant performance from the Islanders youngster.

Can he do it again?

Barzal seems to love the spotlight. The light doesn’t get any brighter than in Toronto, playing against his former captain. You know he’d love to. With Anthony Beauvillier next to him int he lineup, perhaps the two can rekindle that form they had in the latter half of the 2017-18 season where they torched the league?

John Tavares. C. . Toronto Maple Leafs.

All eyes will be on John Tavares as he welcomes the team he used to captain, to the team he now captains.

Tavares doesn’t seem to “get up” for the occasion against his former team. In four games against the Islanders as a member of the Maple Leafs, Tavares has four points while his team has gone 1-3-0 and been outscored 16-7.

Can he step up now with his hometown pulling for him, or will he wilt under the immense pressure of the night? Again, all eyes will be on John Tavares.

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