NHL Blue Jackets vs Islanders Picks and Odds, January 20, 2025

One of the league’s biggest surprises this year takes the ice tonight. The Columbus Blue Jackets will head to Long Island to face the New York Islanders in a divisional matchup. This is the 2nd time this season they play, and the Jackets won the first game 2-0.

Columbus is 22-17-7 this season and 4th in the Metro Division. They are coming into this game off a loss to the Rangers Saturday night. Otherwise, they are 7-2-1 in their last 1o games as well as 7-3-3 in divisional games.

As we know, this team is playing with a heavy heart and angel in Johnny Gaudreau this season. Their offense has been great, ranking 6th in the league in both goals scored and shots on goal per game. Columbus is also decent on the power play, converting 23.1% of the time.

On defense, they could use some work. The Jackets rank in the bottom of the league for goals allowed per game and penalty kill. Like their opponent, their special teams need a lot of work. Goalie Elvis Merzlikins is expected in net tonight. He has a 16-10-3 record with a 3.05 GAA and a .890 save percentage.

New York will look to make it 2 in a row tonight vs Columbus

Islanders players celebrate after scoring a goal vs the Blue Jackets.

The Islanders are 18-20-7 this season and last in the Metro Division. New York comes into this game off a win over the Sharks Saturday. They are struggling lately, going 5-5-0 in their last 10 games.

New York is showing no signs of life. They had a good start to the season and were playing decent offense, but that is long gone. The Islanders are in the bottom of the league for goals scored per game but are 13th for shots on goal.

On defense, the Islanders are ok, ranking middle of the pack for both goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game. Their biggest weak point is special teams. The Islanders are last in the league for both power play and penalty kill, which is their crutch.

Goalie Ilya Sorokin is due in net tonight. He is 13-14-4 this season with a 2.87 GAA and a .900 save percentage. Let’s check out the odds and get into the picks.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders Betting Odds and Game Information

Blue Jackets vs Islanders Betting Odds

Puck Line

Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (-180)
New York Islanders -1.5 (+150)

Moneyline

Columbus Blue Jackets +145
New York Islanders -170

Totals

Over 5.5 (-120)
Under 5.5 (+100)

Odds courtesy of BetOnline – Get 50% up to $1000 on your first deposit

Blue Jackets vs Islanders Game Information

Venue: USB Arena, Elmont, NY
Date: Monday January 20. 2025
Puck Drop: 7:30pm EST
TV: MSGSN, FDSOH

Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders Prediction and Picks

New York Islanders Mat Barzal and Noah Dobson celebrate after scoring.

Blue Jackets vs Islanders Picks and Predictions: Game Total Over 5.5 Goal (-120) Get 50% up to $1000 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

There are a few reasons we’re going to take the over. First, we have 2 teams allowing more than 3 goals per game to start. Both the Jackets and the Islanders have a hard time defending the net. Which leads me to my next point – goaltending.

We are seeing 1 goalie that allowed over 3 per game and another who is just shy of 3 goals. Sorokin, being the one just under 3, doesn’t get much defensive help as it is. The Jackets are playing well right now, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them put up 4 goals themselves.

It’s hard for me to take a side here, but I do lean with the Blue Jackets. The Islanders have struggled this season in divisional games and aren’t the best at home either. It should be a close game, but Columbus should get the job done.

I like for Bo Horvat to record his 3 or more shots on goal valued at -138. He’s hitting this at a 80% rate over his last 5 and 10 games. Horvat also has a great history vs Columbus, hitting 90% of the time over his last 9 games.