NHL betting preview (Jan. 20): Blue Jackets vs. Islanders odds
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)
- Game Total: 5.5 (Over -120, Under +100)
Game odds via Sports Interaction.
Handicapping the Blue Jackets (22-24 SU, 27-19 ATS, 29-16-1 O/U)
One of hockey’s best stories continues Monday as the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the New York Islanders, aiming to extend their seven-game points 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, earning points in 12 of those contests. This impressive run follows a stretch of eight losses in nine games, positioning Columbus in the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Blue Jackets entered the season with the league’s lowest projected point total (65.5) but have defied expectations, amassing 51 points so far. Preseason, they had the longest odds to make the playoffs (14/1), but they are now listed at +300 to qualify at Sports Interaction.
However, road struggles could hinder their postseason hopes. Columbus holds a 6-12-4 record away from home, with four of those wins coming since December—but so have eight of its 16 road losses. Additionally, its underlying metrics reveal potential issues.
Evolving Hockey data ranks the Blue Jackets among the bottom 10 teams in even-strength expected goals percentage (26th) and shot attempt percentage (28th) since December. While their recent results look strong offensively and defensively, much of it appears driven by shooting and saving luck.
For instance, their power play has clicked at an NHL-best 37.9% since Dec. 19, 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 may be more of an outlier 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 has also stepped up big time, with eight points in his last eight games.
Handicapping the Islanders (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 past 10 games against Columbus. The Blue Jackets haven’t won a road game in this series since Dec. 23, 2019, while the Islanders have taken five straight home games against them.
However, the Islanders are struggling at UBS Arena this season, posting their worst home win percentage (.381) in over a decade. They did win their last home game, 4-1, against the San Jose Sharks, but they are just 2-4 at UBS Arena since the holiday break and have yet to win consecutive 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 dreadful on special teams, with the league’s worst power play (11.82%) and penalty kill (67.37%).
Ilya Sorokin has been inconsistent recently, recording a 3.34 goals-against average and a .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 if the extra rest will work to his advantage.
Best bet for Blue Jackets vs. Islanders
- Over 5.5 (-120) at Sports Interaction
Columbus is 29-16-1 to the over this season, which aligns with its top-10 ranking in goals for and bottom-10 ranking in goals against. While the Blue Jackets hit the over more frequently at home, 14 of their 22 road games have still featured six or more goals. Meanwhile, the Islanders are 13-8 to the over at UBS Arena this season.