The set-up: Vancouver has been scuffling for a few weeks now. The Canucks have won just three of their last ten and they enter off a listless 2-1 loss to Columbus. This is the final home game before a tough back-to-back at Arizona and Colorado, putting added importance for the home side to get things figured out quickly. Vancouver beat the Isles 4-3 in New York back in early February. The Islanders have been poor as well of late, a combination of a struggling offense, combined with declining defensive and goaltending play. After two nights off and with upcoming tough contests in Calgary, Edmonton and Pittsburgh, I suspect that the struggling Islanders are going to have their hands full tonight in this difficult road venue once again.

The pick: Note as well that New York is just 2-6 in its last eight road game after playing with two days off, while Vancouver is 7-2 in its last nine home games after a home loss in which it scored one or less goals in. I think Vancouver is absolutely worthy of a second look in this spot.

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