Islanders Face Surging Blue Jackets: Lines & Notes
The Islanders play the fourth game of a seven-game homestand.
ELMONT, NY — After picking up the first win of their seven-game homestand, the New York Islanders (18-20-7) welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-17-7) to UBS Arena.
Puck drop at UBS Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the game can be found on MSGSN.
Columbus blanked New York in their first meeting on Oct. 30. Both goals came in the third period, with Damon Severson breaking the ice under six minutes into the frame. Justin Danforth added an empty netter to allow Elvis Merzlikins to finish a 26-save shutout.
LINEUP UPDATES:
Defenseman Alexander Romanov will play after being called a game-time decision.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Lee-Horbat-Barzal
Duclair-Nelson-Palmieri
Holmstrom-Pageau-Cizikas
Engvall-MacLean-Gatcomb
Romanov-Dobson
Pelech-Pulock
George-Mayfield
Sorokin
Hogberg
Who’s Hot:
Mathew Barzal had a goal and assist in the win on Saturday. Since his return to the lineup, the forward has four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 14 games.
Brock Nelson also had a goal and an assist on Saturday, moving into sole possession of fifth all-time in goals for the franchise. Since snapping his goalless drought on Jan. 9, the center has three goals and four assists for seven points in five games.
Nelson leads active Islanders in goals against the Blue Jackets with 13 in 39 games. Anthony Duclair has the most career assists against Columbus with 16 and is tied with Barzal for the most total points with 23.
Ilya Sorokin will make the start for the Islanders on Monday. He took the loss his last time out on Thursday with four goals against on 23 shots against the Philadelphia Flyers. In seven career starts against Columbus, Sorokin is 5-0-2 with a 2.28 GAA and .914 SV%, most recently making 25 saves on 27 shots in a win on April 4, 2024.
Opponents Notes:
After scoring in their last matchup, Justin Danforth will return for the Blue Jackets on Monday. The forward suffered a lower-body injury on Dec. 10 and missed the last 18 games for Columbus.
Kirill Marchenko is a big reason for Columbus’ success thus far. In his breakout year, he leads the team with 18 goals along with 31 assists for 49 points in 46 games. Dmitri Voronkov has also impressed, potting 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points in 37 games. Both players are 24 years old.
Zach Werenski is on pace for a career season at the blue line. The 27-year-old has 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points, with the latter two being the most on the team.
James van Riemsdyk is the Blue Jackets’ leading scorer against the Islanders across the board. The veteran forward has 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in 55 games against them.
Merzlikins will start once again for Columbus after shutting the Islanders out back in October. He won his last time out against the San Jose Sharks with 18 saves on 19 shots. Against the Islanders, he is 2-3-0 with a 2.45 GAA and .922 SV%.
Columbus Blue Jackets Latest Lines:
NOTES: Merzlikins will get the start.
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Complimentary Parking!
Once again for the 2024-25 season, those that drive a BMW can receive complimentary single-game parking in the Emerald Parking lot.
Please click the BMW | Islanders image below for parking registration information,
Tough Tough Tough to watch this team. The lack of offensive finish on the few good chances they get is excruciating.
Every win with continued good play of our over 32 group puts us in a better position. Lou needs to be out of the gate early on the trades. Identifying those NHL ready prospects especially on the wings and a RHD PP stud on contenders or in their system.