Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders Picks and Predictions for Sunday March 22 2026
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The Columbus Blue Jackets travel to face the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Sunday, March 22, 2026, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM on ESPN+. This matchup is listed as a pick’em with both teams sitting at -110 on the moneyline. The total is set at 6.5 goals, and the puck line shows Columbus +1.5 (-278) and New York -1.5 (+225). With both teams in solid form and fighting for positioning, this game sets up as a tightly contested battle. Be sure to also check out our free NHL picks for more expert analysis and daily selections.
Blue Jackets Riding Momentum into New York
The Columbus Blue Jackets come into this game with a strong 36-21-11 record, including a respectable 17-13-4 record on the road. In their last five games, Columbus has recently won over the New York Rangers 6-3, recently won over Carolina 5-1, recently won over Philadelphia 2-1 in a shootout, recently lost to Florida 2-1 in overtime, and recently won over Tampa Bay 5-2. That stretch shows a team playing with confidence and finding ways to win against quality opponents.
Offensively, the Blue Jackets are averaging 3.19 goals per game while allowing 3.10 goals against per game. They generate 30.0 shots per game and allow 29.4 shots against, indicating a fairly balanced but aggressive style of play. Their power play has converted at 20.7% with 35 goals, while their penalty kill sits at 77.9%, which has been a bit inconsistent at times.
What stands out about Columbus is their ability to push the pace and create scoring chances in transition. They have shown they can score in bunches, especially during this recent stretch, and their offensive depth has allowed them to stay competitive even when games open up. However, their defense can occasionally give up chances, which keeps opponents in games longer than expected.
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Islanders Leaning on Defensive Structure
The New York Islanders enter this matchup with a 39-25-5 record and have been strong at home with an 18-11-2 mark. In their last five games, the Islanders have recently lost to Ottawa 3-2, recently won over Toronto 3-1, recently won over Calgary 3-2, recently lost to Los Angeles 3-2, and recently won over St. Louis 4-3 in overtime. Their games have been tightly contested, often decided by one goal.
The Islanders are averaging 2.87 goals per game while allowing just 2.75 goals against per game, making them one of the more defensively sound teams in this matchup. They generate 28.0 shots per game and allow exactly 28.0 shots against, showing a controlled and structured approach. Their power play has struggled at 16.1% with 33 goals, but their penalty kill has been solid at 82.3%.
New York’s biggest strength is their ability to limit high-quality scoring chances and keep games within their preferred pace. They have also produced nine short-handed goals, showing they can take advantage of mistakes. While their offense is not explosive, their disciplined defensive play and ability to win close games make them dangerous, especially on home ice.
Blue Jackets vs Islanders Pick
Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders Pick
- Columbus Blue Jackets -110
Columbus is the side to back here. They are playing the better overall hockey right now, with four wins in their last five games and victories over several strong teams. While the Islanders are solid defensively, their lack of offensive firepower can be an issue against a team like Columbus that can score in bunches. In a pick’em scenario, the hotter team with more offensive upside is the better value, and that’s Columbus.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders Total Pick
- Under 6.5
I’m going with the under in this matchup because the Islanders tend to control the pace and keep games low-scoring. Even though Columbus has been scoring well, New York’s defensive structure and ability to limit chances should slow things down. With several recent Islanders games finishing with five or fewer goals, this feels like a matchup that stays under the total.
Final Score Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets 3, New York Islanders 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Saturday.
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