This is a 10* EASTERN CONFERENCE TOW on the UNDER Jackets/Islanders.

These teams have been involved in several higher-scoring games of late, but I'm finally anticipating much more of a lower-scoring defensive battle from Long Island on Monday for a few different reasons.

Columbus is 11-20-4 on the road, while the Islanders are 17-13-4 at home.

The Jackets will be desperate so snap a six-game slide, most recently falling 6-3 at Pittsburgh. Previous to that Columbus had played to four straight UNDERS.

They play with revenge here after a 3-1 loss here in mid-January.

The Islanders have seen the total go OVER in four straight following a 4-3 OT home loss to Calgary last time out. Note though that New York has seen the total go UNDER in four of its last five following a home loss as a favorite.

I say there are enough situational factors that tip the scales in favor of this being a lower-scoring defensive battle, rather than a high-scoring shootout.

The play is the UNDER.

Good luck, NP