The Columbus Blue Jackets are never easy to beat home at Nationwide Arena. They finished last season with the fifth best home record in the NHL and I think they'll open the new campaign with a win in front of the home town crowd.

The Islanders were 19-15-7 away from home last season and they were outscored 13-2 in games at Nationwide Arena. Columbus won three of four meetings overall, and as they Blue Jackets enter this season with an at least as strong of a team while the Islanders look weaker I think the home team will get the job done here.

My selection is an 8* play on Columbus Blue Jackets.