The Barclays Center is playing host a divisional clash as the New York Islanders square off against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets. Fox Sports Ohio will broadcast the matchup, which gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3.
Columbus Blue Jackets at New York Islanders Odds
Columbus is 27-24 straight up (SU) and has lost 1.4 units for moneyline bettors this year. 28 of its contests have gone under the total, while 21 have gone over and just one has pushed. The Jackets are 11-14 SU on the road in 2017-18.
Columbus has converted on just 13.8 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s ranked 32nd in the NHL. Its penalty kill is ranked 28th in the league, and it has successfully killed off only 75.9 percent of its penalties.
The Jackets, as a collective unit, have been penalized just 3.1 times per game overall during the 2017-18 season, 3.2 per game over its past five matchups total, and 2.6 per game over its last five games as the visiting team. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays just 6.0 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Boasting a .921 save percentage and 28.8 saves per game, Sergei Bobrovsky (22-20-4) has been the top option in goal for Columbus this season. Bobrovsky played last night, however, so Columbus could decide to rest him and roll with Joonas Korpisalo instead (5-5 record, .912 save percentage, 2.85 goals against average).
Artemi Panarin and Seth Jones will both lead the offensive attack for the visiting Blue Jackets. Panarin (41 points) has tallied 13 goals and 28 assists, and has recorded two or more points eight times. Jones has eight goals and 25 assists to his name (and has registered a point in 27 games).
New York is 25-27 straight up (SU) and has lost 3.0 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 52 regular season matches, 32 of its games have gone over the total, while 17 have gone under and just three have pushed. It’s 13-11 SU at home this season.
The Islanders have converted on just 19.9 percent of their power play chances this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 30th overall, and it’s successfully killed off 73.9 percent of all opponent power plays.
Islanders skaters have been called for penalties only 3.4 times per game in total this season, and 1.8 per game over their last five contests. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays just 6.6 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Jaroslav Halak has stopped 30.0 shots per game as the primary netminder in goal for the Islanders. Halak has 15 wins, 19 losses, and three OT losses and has recorded a subpar .909 save percentage and 3.16 goals against average this year.
John Tavares (26 goals, 31 assists) will pace the attack for the Isles.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. New York Islanders Free Picks
Free Pick: SU Winner – Islanders, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
- Three of Columbus last ten games have ended in a shootout. The team is 2-1 in those games and 6-4 overall in shootouts this season.
- The total has gone under in four of New York’s last five games.
- Five of Columbus last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 0-5 in those games.
