Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
For several years in a row, the New York Islanders have occupied the last available playoff spots. Now, the Columbus Blue Jackets are aiming for the same, while the Islanders find themselves in a position reminiscent of the Blue Jackets last year.
New York Islanders
The balance of power has noticeably shifted. This is evident from the difference in their head-to-head results. Last season, the Islanders, who finished seventh, won all three matches against the bottom-placed Blue Jackets in the East (2:0 and 4:2 away, 7:3 at home). This season, the Blue Jackets triumphed in Ohio in an uncharacteristic style for them (2:0) back on 30 October. This winter, they have only grown stronger. Against the Blue Jackets last time played Semyon Varlamov, who was reliable last season. In that match, he conceded just one goal, demonstrating excellent consistency (96%), but the Islanders' main problem lies not in defence, but in attack. Their less-than-stellar offence in the 2023/24 season (2.99 per game, ranked 21st) has worsened (2.64 per game, ranked 27th). The Islanders are now unstable even at home. In 2025, they played four home games, losing three of them. They only managed to defeat the even weaker San Jose Sharks (4:1).
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets currently appear to be one of the most intriguing teams outside the top ranks. Their eighth place in the conference is no accident, highlighted by possessing the league’s sixth-best attack (3.30 per game). Under the new coach, their talented group of forwards has truly flourished, and offensive defenceman Zach Werenski (15+36) has already accumulated six fewer points by January than in the entire previous season.
New York Islanders vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction
How the Blue Jackets will tackle the league's weakest power play and penalty kill is entirely unclear. Therefore, we are confident that the visitors will at least play to a draw.
