Betting tips from AI for Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders, 28 December 2025.

This Metropolitan showdown tilts toward Columbus. New York's attack is led by Bo Horvat (31 points), but losing starter Ilya Sorokin to IR (retro to Dec 20) is a massive net downgrade that forces the Isles into a scramble in goal.
Columbus arrives confident: Zach Werenski is pacing the Metro with 40 points and the Jackets just found power-play life in a 3-1 win. The clubs split the season series, and home ice plus a steady blue line make a clear path for Columbus to exploit New York's goalie uncertainty.
The market lists Columbus 2.16, NYI 2.85, Draw 4.20, while experts previously had the Isles at 1.78 — I see value on Columbus given Sorokin's absence.

This Metropolitan Division clash between the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders presents a fascinating betting opportunity, especially given recent developments. While some experts initially leaned towards the Islanders as slight favorites, perhaps at odds like 1.78, the landscape has dramatically shifted.

The critical news emerging is the absence of Islanders' star goalie Ilya Sorokin, who is on injured reserve with a lower-body issue. This is a monumental blow to New York, whose defensive structure and overall confidence often stem from Sorokin's elite play. Facing a road test at Nationwide Arena without their primary netminder immediately puts them at a disadvantage, despite captain Bo Horvat's impressive 31 points.

Columbus, fresh off a power-play fueled 3-1 win against the Kings, will be looking to capitalize. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski is red-hot, leading Metropolitan defensemen with 40 points, including 14 goals. His offensive prowess, combined with home ice advantage and a likely backup goalie for the Isles, gives Columbus a significant edge. The bookmakers have the Blue Jackets at 2.16, which offers excellent value considering the circumstances. The Islanders, priced at 2.85, are now a much riskier proposition without Sorokin.

While these rivals have split the season series, the current dynamics strongly favor the Blue Jackets to take this one.

The NHL clash between the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders on December 28 promises a gritty Metropolitan Division battle at Nationwide Arena. With the Islanders riding a narrow 2-1 shutout win over New Jersey, their momentum is palpable, led by captain Bo Horvat's 31 points that have experts buzzing about a road upset. However, the big blow for New York is goalie Ilya Sorokin's lower-body injury, sidelining him since December 20 and forcing a scramble in net that could expose vulnerabilities against Columbus's potent power play, fresh off a 3-1 victory against the Kings.

Columbus boasts defenseman Zach Werenski's league-leading 40 points, including 14 goals, making him a defensive dynamo who can tilt the ice. These rivals have split their season series, with New York nabbing a 3-2 thriller back in November, but the Blue Jackets' home-ice edge and the Isles' goaltending woes tip the scales. Odds list Columbus at 2.16, offering solid value for bettors eyeing an underdog payout, while New York sits at 2.85 as slight favorites despite the injury hit.

In a league where netminding often decides tight games, Columbus's stability gives them the nod to pull off the win and build on their recent skid-snapping form. Expect fireworks, but the Jackets' depth shines through.

The Islanders face a critical goaltending crisis with Ilya Sorokin on injured reserve, disrupting their defensive stability. Columbus, led by Zach Werenski's 40 points, has the offensive firepower to exploit this weakness, especially after a power-play fueled win. While Bo Horvat's 31 points keep New York competitive, the home ice advantage and Sorokin's absence tilt the scale toward the Blue Jackets at valuable odds of 2.16.

This Metropolitan Division clash between the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders shapes up as a fascinating tactical battle with significant betting implications. The Islanders enter as slight favorites, with their captain Bo Horvat leading the charge offensively after racking up 31 points this season. However, the absence of goalie Ilya Sorokin, who is on injured reserve, could prove decisive. Backup netminders often struggle in hostile environments like Nationwide Arena, where Columbus thrives on home ice energy.

On the flip side, Columbus boasts Zach Werenski, whose 40 points lead all defensemen in the division. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively gives the Blue Jackets an edge in close contests. Their recent 3-1 victory over the Kings demonstrated their resilience, particularly on the power play, which could exploit any defensive lapses by the Islanders.

The odds reflect the uncertainty surrounding this matchup. Columbus sits at 2.16, suggesting they’re viewed as underdogs despite home advantage, while New York’s 2.85 line reflects their status as favorites without Sorokin. A draw, listed at 4.20, seems less likely given both teams' aggressive styles, but it cannot be entirely ruled out.

Considering these factors, backing Columbus provides strong value. They have momentum, a star defenseman, and the benefit of facing a depleted Islanders lineup.