Columbus Blue Jackets (71 pts) vs. New York Islanders (73 pts) Game Preview

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders play the third game of the four-game season series tonight at UBS Arena.

The Blue Jackets sit just two points behind the Islanders in the standings, so Monday's game is vital for both teams. Although the playoffs might be a long shot now for the struggling Jackets, just winning could give the team what it needs to have a successful finish at least.

They'll be getting back Sean Monahan and Erik Gudbranson tonight. The importance of Getting Monahan back cannot be overstated.

The Blue Jackets have a huge opportunity to right the ship tonight against the New York Islanders.

Islanders Stats

Power Play – 12.4% - 32nd in NHL
Penalty Kill – 71.9% - 30th in NHL
Goals For - 188 – 26th – 2.72 GPG – 25th
Goals Against – 204 – 15th – 2.96 GPG – 15th

Series History vs. The Islanders

Columbus is 8-15-3 on the road and 25-22-8 in 55 all-time games against the Islanders.
The Jackets are 2-9-1 in the last 12 against NYI and have lost 4 of 5 against New York.

Who To Watch For The Islanders

Bo Horvat leads the Isles with 48 points.
Anders Lee leads the team with 25 goals.
Ilya Sorokin is 27-20-5 with a SV% of .907.

CBJ Player Notes vs. Islanders

Boone Jenner has 14 points in 30 games against the Islanders.
Zach Werenski has 13 points in 22 games.
James van Riemsdyk has 40 points in 56 games vs. NYI.

Injuries

Kevin Labanc (shoulder) is on Injured Reserve as of Feb. 21 and is out for the season (12 Games)

Cole Sillinger is on Injured Reserve as of Feb. 28 (9 Games). He's been skating and practicing.
Jake Christiansen (upper body); (3 Games). He's been skating and practicing.

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 298

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. Steve Mears will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.

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