The Columbus Blue Jackets are trying to take back the top spot in the Metropolitan, however they have a solid opponent trying to stop them in Lou Lamoriello’s New York Islanders. The Islanders were off to a hot start to the season and led the Metropolitan for a while, but have since cooled off.
The John Tavares-less Islanders have had quite a few other players step up with the lack of a superstar. Josh Bailey and Lamoriello’s hopeful Tavares replacement Mathew Barzal are leading the way for the Isles with 21 points in 24 games.