The New York Islanders are on a roll right now as they have won three games in a row and seven out of their last 10. Tonight, they head into Nationwide Arena to face a Columbus Blue Jackets team that would love to play spoiler.
The home team has won five out of the last seven meetings between these two teams, so can the Islanders come in and steal one on the road?
Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Blue Jackets vs. Islanders on March 24.
Islanders vs Blue Jackets best odds
Islanders vs Blue Jackets picks and predictions
It’s pretty safe to say that the New York Islanders do not fear the Columbus Blue Jackets at all. New York has taken the last six straight meetings between these two teams, but tonight’s game is very important for the standings implications. The Isles currently sit in the first Wild Card spot with 82 points, but the Penguins (80) and Panthers (79) are right behind them, making this race for the playoffs extremely close.
The Islanders are typically known for their defensive style of play, but they have absolutely erupted offensively as of late, scoring 17 goals in their last three games. Pierre Engvall has turned into quite the acquisition, tallying three goals with two assists in the team's last five games.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are far and away one of the worst teams in the NHL. They had a solid comeback win in their most recent game against Washington but are just 3-6-1 in their last 10 contests.
I have no problem taking the Islanders to win this one in regulation.
My best bet: Islanders three-way moneyline (-135 at BetMGM)
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Islanders vs Blue Jackets moneyline analysis
The Islanders are in must-win mode and they have looked pretty strong against the weaker teams as of late. Columbus is certainly one of those weaker opponents as the Jackets quite literally rank dead last in the NHL.
The Isles have been on a pretty good stretch as of late, going 6-1 in their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents. Michael Hutchinson is getting the start in net for Columbus tonight and he has made just two starts this season, losing both games with a .875 SV% and a 4.17 GAA.
With the way the Isles' offense has looked lately, they shouldn’t have any issues putting the puck in the net against a Columbus team that is the second-worst defensive team in the league.
Islanders vs Blue Jackets Over/Under analysis
It appears that Ilya Sorokin will be the starting goaltender for the Islanders tonight, which makes me absolutely love the Under in this spot.
Sorokin has played all three games this season against the Blue Jackets, boasting a 3-0 record with an impressive 1.99 GAA and a .921 SV%.
The Under happens to be 5-1 in the last six meetings between these two in Columbus and 11-3-1 in the last 15 meetings overall. I think this trend will keep on rolling.
Islanders vs Blue Jackets betting trend to know
The Under is 6-1-1 in the Blue Jackets' last eight home games. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs Blue Jackets.
Islanders vs Blue Jackets game info
| Location: | Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH |
| Date: | Friday, March 24, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG, Bally Sports Ohio |
