New York Islanders vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 3/24/2023

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH

Where to watch: MSGSN, BSOH, NHLN

DraftKings: Islanders -200, Blue Jackets +170

BetMGM: Islanders -200, Blue Jackets +170

Caesars: Islanders -200, Blue Jackets +170

Islanders: 37-27-8

Blue Jackets: 22-41-7

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The New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face off on March 24, 2023, in what promises to be an exciting game between two talented teams. The game will be played at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, and both teams will be looking to come out on top.

The Islanders come into the game with a record of 36-24-10, currently sitting in third place in the Metropolitan Division. They have been one of the hottest teams in the league in recent weeks, winning eight of their last ten games. Led by captain Anders Lee and star defenseman Adam Pelech, the Islanders have been solid in both the offensive and defensive zones this season.

The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, have had a difficult season so far, with a record of 26-38-4, currently sitting in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division. Despite their struggles, the Blue Jackets have some talented players on their roster, including defenseman Zach Werenski and forward Patrik Laine. They will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and secure a win against a tough Islanders team.

One key matchup to watch out for will be between Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin and Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. Sorokin has been in excellent form for the Islanders this season, with a save percentage of .925 and a goals against average of 2.28. Merzlikins, on the other hand, has had a solid season for the Blue Jackets, with a save percentage of .915 and a goals against average of 2.67. The battle between these two goaltenders could be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

Another key matchup will be between the Islanders' top line of Lee, Mathew Barzal, and Jordan Eberle, and the Blue Jackets' top defensive pairing of Werenski and Seth Jones. The Islanders' top line has been in excellent form this season, with Lee and Barzal both scoring over 20 goals. Werenski and Jones, on the other hand, have been solid defensively for the Blue Jackets, but will have their hands full trying to contain the Islanders' potent offense.

The game between the Islanders and Blue Jackets promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting seasons. The Islanders will be looking to build on their recent form and secure a win on the road, while the Blue Jackets will be hoping to salvage some pride in what has been a difficult season.

Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen will be hoping his team can find a way to contain the Islanders' top line and create scoring chances of their own. The Blue Jackets have struggled offensively this season, but they have the talent to cause problems for the Islanders' defense if they can find their scoring touch.

In conclusion, the game between the Islanders and Blue Jackets on March 24, 2023, promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with contrasting seasons. The Islanders will be looking to continue their strong play and secure a win on the road, while the Blue Jackets will be hoping to salvage some pride in what has been a difficult season. Fans from both teams will be eagerly watching to see which team comes out on top in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Prediction

You'd expect the better team to win here. Islanders 4, Blue Jackets 2

Islanders:

Anders Lee -- Bo Horvat -- Simon Holmstrom

Pierre Engvall -- Brock Nelson -- Kyle Palmieri

Zach Parise -- Jean-Gabriel Pageau -- Hudson Fasching

Matt Martin -- Casey Cizikas -- Cal Clutterbuck

Adam Pelech -- Scott Mayfield

Alexander Romanov -- Ryan Pulock

Samuel Bolduc -- Noah Dobson

Ilya Sorokin

Blue Jackets:

Johnny Gaudreau -- Patrik Laine -- Kirill Marchenko

Kent Johnson -- Boone Jenner -- Jack Roslovic

Liam Foudy -- Cole Sillinger -- Emil Bemstrom

Eric Robinson -- Lane Pederson -- Mathieu Olivier

Nick Blankenburg -- Erik Gudbranson

Tim Berni -- Andrew Peeke

Gavin Bayreuther -- Adam Boqvist

Daniil Tarasov