Blue Jackets vs Islanders odds

On By Littum

Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps Monday’s matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders.

Blue Jackets vs Islanders Odds

  • Columbus Blue Jackets Moneyline: +140
  • New York Islanders Moneyline: -165
  • Puck Line: Blue Jackets +1.5 (-185), Islanders -1.5 (+150)
  • Total Bet: 5.5 (Over -120, Under +100)

Sports betting via Sports Interaction.

Handicap of the Blue Jackets (22-24 SU, 27-19 ATS, 29-16-1 O/U)

One of hockey’s best storylines continues Monday when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the New York Islanders looking to extend their seven-game point streak. The Blue Jackets lost their last game 1-0 in a shootout, but have won 10 of their last 14 games since Dec. 19 and have earned points in 12 of those contests. This impressive run follows an eight-game losing streak in nine games, placing Columbus in the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Blue Jackets entered the season with the league’s lowest projected points total (65.5), but have defied expectations, accumulating 51 points so far. Preseason they had the longest odds to reach the playoffs (14/1), but they are now listed at +300 to qualify for Sports Interaction.

But road games could hinder their postseason hopes. Columbus has a record of 6-12-4 on the road, with four of those wins coming since December – but so have eight of its 16 road losses. In addition, its underlying metrics reveal potential problems.

Evolving Hockey data ranks the Blue Jackets among the bottom 10 teams in expected even-strength field goal percentage (26th) and shot attempt percentage (28th) since December. While their recent results look strong offensively and defensively, much of it appears to be driven by shot and save luck.

For example, their power play has clicked at an NHL-best 37.9% since December 19th, and their penalty kill has operated at 81.3% efficiency over the last 14 games. While only three teams have allowed fewer expected goals per 60 minutes since the holiday break, their strong goaltending might be more of an anomaly than a sustainable trend.

It also hurts not to have players like Sean Monahan and Yegor Chinakhov in the lineup due to injury, but Zach Werenski, Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko haven’t slowed down. Adam Fantilli is also up big with eight points in his last eight games.

Islanders Handicap (18-27 SU, 20-25 ATS, 23-20-2 O/U)

The Islanders were shut out 2-0 by the Blue Jackets on Oct. 30 in their only meeting this season. Despite that, New York has dominated this matchup recently, winning eight of its last 10 games against Columbus. The Blue Jackets have not won a road game in this series since December 23, 2019, while the Islanders have taken five straight home games against them.

However, the Icelanders are struggling at UBS Arena this season, posting their worst home winning percentage (.381) in over a decade. They won their last home game, 4-1, against the San Jose Sharks, but are just 2-4 at UBS Arena since the holiday break and have yet to win back-to-back home games this season.

New York’s defense ranks among the league’s top 10 in goals against per 60 minutes at even strength, but much of that success is attributed to goaltending, as it ranks 19th in expected goals against. Beyond that, the Islanders have been subpar in most areas and terrible on special teams, with the league’s worst power play (11.82%) and penalty kill (67.37%).

Ilya Sorokin has been inconsistent of late, recording a 3.34 goals-against average and .887 save percentage over his last 10 games. While he’ll be well-rested for Monday’s start, having seen limited action over the past two weeks due to an illness, it’s unclear whether the extra rest will work in his favor.

Best Bet for Blue Jackets vs. Islanders

  • Over 5.5 (-120) at Sports Interaction

Columbus is 29-16-1 over the season, matching its top-10 ranking in goals for and bottom-10 ranking in goals against. While the Blue Jackets scored more often at home, 14 of their 22 road games have still featured six or more goals. Meanwhile, the Islanders are 13-8 overall at UBS Arena this season.

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