NHL: Islanders vs. Blue Jackets Picks and Odds | December 28, 2025

Another divisional matchup on our hands out of the Metro Division. The New York Islanders hit the road to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. These two teams played back in November, and the Islanders won 3-2.

New York is 21-13-4 this season and second in the Metro Division. They come into this game on a two-game winning streak after a win over the Rangers yesterday. The Islanders are 6-3-1 in their last ten games, 9-6-2 on the road and 6-4-2 in divisional games.

Tuesday and yesterday's wins were huge for this team's moral. Nothing like beating your two cross town rivals in the same week. The Islanders keep finding ways to win even with their low caliber offense. They rank in the bottom of the league for goals scored and middle of the league for shots on goal per game.

Things didn't start off good on defense this season but has made a turn around. They're still allowing a good number of shots per game, but have improved goals allowed per game, ranking sixth. New York also has a solid penalty kill that ranks tenth in the league.

Goalie David Rittich is expected to start. He is 9-3-2 this season with a 2.25 GAA and a .919 save percentage. Rittich is coming in off the shutout yesterday vs. the Rangers.

Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.

Columbus having a rough season, but look to build off win

The Blue Jackets are 15-15-6 this year and last in the Metro Division. They come into this game off a win over the Kings on Monday. Columbus is 3-6-1 in their last ten games, 7-6-3 at home and 2-6-2 in divisional games this season.

It's been a struggle for this team so far. They rank in the bottom of the league for goals scored and shooting percentage. Ranking in the top of the league for shots on goal is great, but only if they're hitting the net. Their power play is decent, ranking twelfth in the league.

On defense, it just gets worse. They rank almost last for goals allowed, shots on goal allowed and penalty kill. If they want to be successful this season, they need to start playing some defense. The goalies can only do so much.

In net, we will see goalie Jet Greaves. He has taken the starting role with a 9-9-5 record and 2.69 GAA with a .906 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Islanders vs. Blue Jackets picks.

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

Islanders vs. Blue Jackets Betting Odds – December 28

Puck Line

• New York Islanders +1.5 (-225)
• Columbus Blue Jackets -1.5 (+175)

Moneyline

• New York Islanders +115
• Columbus Blue Jackets -135

Totals

• Over 6.5 (+120)
• Under 6.5 (-145)

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

Islanders vs. Blue Jackets Game Information

• Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
• Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
• Puck Drop: 5 p.m. EST
• TV: MSGSN, FDSOH

New York Islanders vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Prediction

Islanders vs. Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions: New York Islanders Moneyline (+115) Get 50% up to $1000 Deposit on BetOnline for this pick

Give me my boys to keep it rolling. They were just tested by the Devils where they prevailed and then the Rangers. Playing the second game of a back-to-back after a break is no problem. These boys are buzzing right now.

Other than shooting the puck a lot, the Islanders really are the better team. It'll be the first time they face Greaves, so new face. The game should go under the 6.5 goals as well with two solid goalies.

I like for Matthew Schaefer to have another big game. His 3 or more shots on goal is great value at +108. Last game in November, he has 2 goals on three shots. The kid just keeps playing a bigger role with every game played, so expect him to be heavily involved as usual.

Another play I like is for Jet Greaves to have 25 or more saves for -125. The Islanders put up almost 40 shots on goal last game and that was vs. Merzlikins. I think we see over 30 shots on goal from the Islanders to clear this line.

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