The New York Islanders (33-27-15) travel to face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets (25-38-12) on Thursday, April 4th. This game will be played at Nationwide Arena in Columbus and televised on ESPN+. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Puck drop is set for 7:00 ET.

Islanders vs Blue Jackets

The New York Islanders Are Coming Off A Win

Through 75 games, the Islanders hold a record of 33-27-15 and sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. In the Metropolitan Division, New York is in 5th place with a record of 9-12.

On the road, the Islanders have gone 16-17-5 this season, and they have won two straight games. As the favorite, New York has gone 16-13-6 in 35 games.

On the road this season, the Islanders have gone 21-17 vs. the puck line, and their overall puck line record is 36-39. So far, New York has gone 9-26 against the puck line when favored, and their average scoring margin is -.4 goals per game.

Across their last ten games, the Islanders’ puck line record is just 3-7, and they have 24 losses by more than one goal. Through 40 games as the underdog, New York’s puck line record is 27-13, and they have lost five straight games against the puck line when favored.

In their most recent game, the Islanders hosted the Blackhawks and secured a 2-1 victory. Offensively, the Islanders faced a challenge in the first and second periods, failing to score. However, they did score two goals in the third period. Of New York’s two goals, one were scored while in power play situations. Their game ended with 29 shots on goal and four giveaways.

Although New York secured a straight-up win, they did not cover the puck line, as they were favored by -1.5. The game ended below the over/under line of 5.5, with a combined total of 3 goals.

The Columbus Blue Jackets Are Coming Off A Win

As the Blue Jackets head into their 76th game of the season, they find themselves in 16th place in the Eastern Conference and 8th in the Metropolitan Division. Over the course of the season, Columbus has gone 25-38-12, including a record of 15-18-5 at home.

Over their last ten games, the Blue Jackets have gone just 3-7 and have lost three of their last five games. As the underdog this season, Columbus has gone 21-36-11 and has lost their last two games when they have been the underdog.

When it comes to the puck line, Columbus has gone 43-32 this year and 16-30 in games decided by more than one goal. So far, the Blue Jackets have an average scoring differential of -.7 goals per game, and their puck line record as the underdog is 40-28.

Overall, Columbus has gone 22-16 at home vs. the puck line and 8-2 in their last ten games at Nationwide Arena. Their average scoring margin at home is -.4 goals per game, and the team’s puck line record at home is 22-16.

The Blue Jackets recently hosted the Avalanche and emerged victorious with a 4-1 win. On offense, the Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the first period, but found the net three times in the second period and ended with one goal in the third. In the game, Columbus managed to score all four goals at even strength. They concluded with 25 shots on goal and committed 3 turnovers.

Despite being the underdog, Columbus managed to secure a win against the puck line in the game. The game finished below the over/under line of 6.5 with a combined total of 5 goals.

New York Offense Breakdown

On offense, the Islanders are averaging 2.9 goals per game which is 23rd in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are 18th in the league. The New York offense is ranked 21st in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 8th in the NHL.

For the season, the over/under record of the Islanders’ stands at 40-31-4. They have had 38 games during the season that exceeded the 6 over/under line. On average, their games are averaging 6.3 goals per game.

Blue Jackets Offense Breakdown

For their offensive performance, the Blue Jackets come in averaging 2.9 goals per game this season, which is 25th in the NHL. In the category of shots on goal per game, they are 20th in the league. Looking at how the Blue Jackets’ offense is performing during power plays, they are 32nd in power play goals and 25th in shorthanded goals.

This season, the over/under record for the Blue Jackets’ is 35-36-4. Over the course of the season, they have had 38 games that exceeded the over/under line of 6. On average, their games are averaging 6.5 goals per game.

New York Team Defense

Defensively, the Islanders are currently 3rd in goals allowed. On average, opponents are taking 32.5 shots per game against New York. They also are 22nd in shutouts, coming in with 4 shutouts.

Columbus Team Defense

The Blue Jackets defense is currently 1st in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 33.8 shots per game against Columbus. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 31st with 1 shutouts.

Islanders vs Blue Jackets Trends

• Through their last five road games, New York has an puck line record of just 2-3. However, their overall record was 2-3 while averaging 2 goals per game.
• When looking at their past five home matchups, Columbus has an puck line record of 4-1 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Blue Jackets have a strong straight up record of 2-1. In addition, their puck line record was 3-0 in these scenarios.
• The last ten games that New York was favored, they have an puck line mark of 3-7 while going 4-6 straight up.

Islanders vs Blue Jackets Prediction

When it comes to a straight moneyline bet, look no further than the Islanders. Nevertheless, given the payout of -183, you could also think about incorporating this bet into a parlay.

If you’re looking for a puck line bet, I’d suggest going with the Blue Jackets to cover. Even in the event of a Islanders victory, this game is expected to be closely fought, and the Blue Jackets should cover the puck line.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.