Islanders vs Blue Jackets: Spotlight on Mathew Barzal and James van Riemsdyk Ahead of UBS Arena Clash

As the New York Islanders prepare to host the Columbus Blue Jackets at UBS Arena, all eyes are on key players who could tip the scales in this highly anticipated matchup. With both teams showcasing depth and talent, it's the standout performers like Mathew Barzal of the Islanders and James van Riemsdyk from the Blue Jackets who are poised to make significant impacts.

Islanders' Key Players to Watch

Mathew Barzal, a forward for the New York Islanders, has been nothing short of spectacular in recent games. His performance against the San Jose Sharks was particularly noteworthy, where he netted one goal and provided an assist, boasting a shooting percentage of 33 percent. Over the last three games, Barzal has consistently demonstrated his ability to be a difference-maker on ice with two goals, two assists, and a commendable plus-minus rating.

Another Islander who has shown promising signs is Noah Dobson. The defenseman scored a goal with a 33 percent shooting accuracy in one game and maintained solid defensive play throughout. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, providing crucial support in both offensive and defensive situations.

Blue Jackets' Top Performers

On the Columbus side, James van Riemsdyk stands out with his remarkable performance against the San Jose Sharks, scoring two goals on four shots – an impressive 50 percent shooting accuracy. This level of efficiency underscores his potential to break through defenses and change the course of a game single-handedly.

Zach Werenski also deserves attention for his consistent contributions across recent matches. As a defenseman, Werenski managed to tally assists and maintain a positive plus-minus rating, highlighting his dual-threat capability on both ends of the ice.

Predictions and Insights

Given their recent performances, both Barzal and van Riemsdyk are expected to play pivotal roles in their upcoming encounter. While Barzal's agility and knack for creating scoring opportunities make him a constant threat, van Riemsdyk's sharpshooting skills could prove decisive in tight situations.

The Islanders will look to leverage their home advantage at UBS Arena against a resilient Blue Jackets team that has shown they can compete under pressure. Fans should anticipate a tightly contested game where individual brilliance could well be the deciding factor.

Catch this thrilling NHL showdown live on ESPN+, MSGSN, or FDSOH networks on January 20th at 7:30 PM EST at UBS Arena in Belmont Park. Don't miss out on witnessing these top performers battle it out on ice!

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