Every day, NHL.com’s team of hockey pool experts provides an overview of the different rosters that will be playing each other and identifies some players who could stand out and find success.
FORWARDERS
Pierre EngvallNYI (vs CBJ) – The New York Islanders winger has had at least one point in four of his last five games (three goals, two assists), earning one of those points on the power play. Engvall has seen his production jump since being acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he currently plays on the second line with Brock Nelson et Kyle Palmieri. The Islanders visit the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are allowing 3.89 goals per game this season, the second-highest total in the NHL.
Boone JennerCBJ (vs NYI) – The Blue Jackets center has hit the target in four of his last six games, while he’s rattled the strings five times in those six games. The captain of Columbus also fired 26 shots during this period in addition to distributing 13 checks. His presence on the first wave of the power play with Johnny Gaudreau, Kirill Marchenko, Jack Roslovic et Adam Boqvist could help it to continue on this momentum.
DEFENDER
Damon SeversonNJD (vs BUF) – The New Jersey Devils defenseman has had at least one point in seven of his last 10 games, picking up eight points (two goals, six assists) during that streak. Severson leads the second wave of the power play along with the forwards Jesper Bratt, Ondrej Palat, Erik Haula et Tomas Tatar. The Devils have the league’s sixth-best offense (3.45 goals scored per game) and are visiting the Buffalo Sabers, who have allowed 24 goals in their last four games.
GUARDIAN
Ilya SorokinNYI (vs CBJ) – The Islanders are still in the thick of playoff contention in the East, primarily with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers for the two fourth-ace spots. They have just won their last three games, each time with Sorokin in goal. He notably limited the Maple Leafs’ offense to two goals on Tuesday. Everything is in place for the doorman to give only crumbs to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the worst team in the NHL standings.