The Columbus Blue Jackets face the New York Islanders with both teams on opposite ends of the Metropolitan Division. The Blue Jackets have a 4-9 record and are in last place in the division while the Islanders have a 9-6 record and are in third place in the division. Both teams are looking to improve within the division but also in the Eastern Conference and the upcoming game should be a good one as a result.
The Blue Jackets are having a rough season with their offense struggling and scoring only 2.69 goals per game. Johnny Gaudreau and Boone Jenner have scored 10 goals and 10 assists to lead the top line but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only two skaters have four goals or more while only four skaters have five assists or more and opposing defenses can eliminate the hapless offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has let the Blue Jackets down this season, allowing 4.38 goals per game including 30 goals in the last six games. Andrew Peeke and Vladislav Gavrikov have led the top two pairings, the rest of the unit has been awful, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has been awful in the net with a .863 save percentage and a 4.82 goals-against average on 248 shots.