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Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets bring a four-game win streak into UBS Arena to face the New York Islanders on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Columbus has found confidence behind strong goaltending from Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins, while Ilya Sorokin aims to build on his best outing of the season for New York.
The Blue Jackets are 7-4-0, third in the Metropolitan, and continue to thrive in one-goal games. The Islanders sit at 5-5-1 after snapping a skid Friday against Washington. Both clubs are seeking stability early in the season. For more matchups and previews, visit the NHL game previews page
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Line Movement and Odds
Current consensus numbers from the NHL odds board
- Moneyline: Islanders -140 | Blue Jackets +117
- Puck Line: Islanders -1.5 (+170) | Blue Jackets +1.5 (-211)
- Total: 6.5 (O -118 / U -104)
Early sharp action has leaned toward Columbus +1.5 and slight public play on the over after the Islanders’ recent high-scoring stretch.
Matchup Breakdown
Columbus outlook: The Blue Jackets have outscored opponents 18-12 during their streak while allowing an NHL-high 33.5 shots per game. Merzlikins and Greaves have stopped 91.7% of attempts in that span. Columbus is 4-2 in conference play and continues to win tight contests, showing resilience that bettors appreciate.
New York outlook: Sorokin looked like his old self Friday, stopping 22 of 23 shots to help the Islanders close their road trip with a win. At home, Patrick Roy’s team must reduce defensive lapses and boost a power play converting under 15%. The Islanders have hit the over in 8 of 10 games, pointing toward pace and volatility.
Injuries and Conditions
Columbus Blue Jackets Injury Report
- Erik Gudbranson (D) – Questionable (upper body)
- Luca Marrelli (D) – Out (shoulder)
New York Islanders Injury Report
- Ethan Bear (D) – Out (undisclosed)
- Pierre Engvall (LW) – Out (ankle)
- Maxim Shabanov (C) – Questionable (upper body)
- Semyon Varlamov (G) – Out (lower body)
Indoor venue, no weather factors.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Columbus has covered 4 of 6 as an underdog, while the Islanders have gone 8-2 to the over. Expect another fast-paced game.
Projected score: Islanders 4, Blue Jackets 3.
Best bet: Blue Jackets +1.5 (-211).
Secondary lean: Over 6.5 (-118).
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