NHL: Islanders vs. Blue Jackets Picks and Odds | February 28, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Update: Sat Feb 28, 2026, 10:59 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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The Eastern Conference is as tight as a sardine can and so is the Metro Division. Tonight, the New York Islanders take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. These two teams last played in December and the Jackets won 4-2.
New York is 33-21-5 this season and third in the Metro Division. They come into this game off an overtime win over the Canadiens on Thursday. The Islanders are 6-4-0 in their last ten games, 17-11-3 on the road and 12-6-2 in divisional games.
They come off an electric win where rookie Matthew Schaefer scored two goals. He now has 18 goals on the year and that's the most by any defenseman at the age of 18. The kid has brought more than a spark to the team since being drafted.
On the stat sheet, the Islanders aren't even that attractive, but get the job done. They rank twentieth or worse for goals scored and shots on goal per game. New York has struggled on the power play for year, and this year is no different.
Their defense is better and backed up by strong goaltending. Goalie Ilya Sorokin is expected to get the start. He is 20-13-2 this year with a 2.43 GAA and a .916 save percentage.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Columbus is still in the playoff hunt but has no room for error
Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner celebrates after scoring a goal vs. the Islanders at UBS Arena.
The Blue Jackets are 29-21-7 this season and are fifth in the Metro Division. They come into this game after a loss to the Bruins on Thursday. It was a big loss as the Jackets are chasing the Bruins for the second wild card spot. Columbus is 8-2-0 in their last ten games, 15-8-4 at home, but 6-7-3 in divisional matches.
They currently sit six points behind the second wild card and/or the third seed in the Metro Division. It is so tight in the East that you cannot afford any mistakes. This will be a good test for the Blue Jackets as the Isles have been playing well.
Their offense is pretty on paper. Columbus ranks seventeenth in goals scored and eighteenth in power play conversion. They also pepper the net, averaging 30 shots on goal per game, which is fifth best in the league.
Columbus struggles on defense. They rank towards the bottom of the league in both goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game. For as many shots as they take, they also allow. The Jackets commit about four penalties a game and kill of 77% of their penalties.
In net, we're expected to see Jet Greaves. He is 18-12-6 this season with a 2.59 GAA and a .910 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 – February 28
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Islanders | +1.5 (-235) | +110 | Over 6.5 (+115) |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | -1.5 (+180) | -130 | Under 6.5 (-135) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Islanders vs. Blue Jackets Game Information
- Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
- Date: Saturday February 28, 2026
- Puck Drop: 6 p.m. EST
- TV: MSGSN, FDSOH
New York Islanders vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Prediction
Islanders forward Jean Gabriel Pageau takes a wide-open shot on net.
Islanders vs. Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions: New York Islanders Moneyline (+110) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
I know it's a homer pick, but I like the way the Islanders have been playing this season. Naturally, they had to give us a heart attack for the last win, but not all wins are pretty. Their strong road record and current momentum make me lean Islanders.
The Islanders also have been better in divisional games. This is a perfect get right spot vs. the Blue Jackets after dropping the last game against them. Sorokin should be the X factor for the Isles and help them secure the win.
Give me Sorokin to get over his saves line. It should be set around 28 saves and he's going to see over 30 shots in this game. The Islanders can be a bit leaky on defense and a team like Columbus will take advantage of it.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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