NY Islanders (35-34-12) at Columbus (39-33-9)
- When: Apr 17 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH, USA
- TV: MSGSN
Blue Jackets vs. Islanders Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Columbus -145 | Total: 6.5
Thursday night’s season finale between the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders has no playoff implications but still carries weight for both teams—emotionally and organizationally.
Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook
Columbus enters its final game riding a wave of late-season momentum. While their hopes for a postseason berth were officially extinguished by Montreal’s win over Carolina on Wednesday, the Blue Jackets (39-33-9) can still finish the season on a strong note with a sixth consecutive win.
The team’s mid-season inconsistency and a costly six-game losing skid in March derailed their playoff push. However, the Blue Jackets rebounded well, and Thursday’s matchup offers a chance to finish above .500 and cap a respectable campaign.
Adam Fantilli has emerged as a scoring force, notching five goals in his last three outings and hitting the 30-goal mark in his rookie campaign. Expect Columbus to ride their recent hot hand and home-ice advantage to dictate the pace. They’ve also been strong in net, securing a shutout win over Philadelphia in their last contest.
New York Islanders Outlook
The Islanders (35-34-12) were eliminated from the playoff race last weekend and will now focus on wrapping up a disappointing season with pride. With nothing on the line but locker room pride and a sendoff for veteran Matt Martin—likely playing his final game after 14 seasons with the team—the Isles could be motivated to spoil Columbus’s finale.
New York will look to clean up defensively after surrendering 11 goals in their last three games. With limited depth and no playoff target to chase, their energy level might be inconsistent, especially on the road.
Prediction
While both teams are officially out of playoff contention, the edge clearly belongs to Columbus. The Blue Jackets are playing inspired hockey and have momentum on their side, along with home-ice advantage. New York is likely to struggle matching the Blue Jackets’ intensity.
Final Score Prediction: Blue Jackets 4, Islanders 2
Best Bets: Columbus ML (-145)
Total: Under 6.5 (-117) – Expect a structured game with limited offense from the Islanders.
Puck Line Lean: Columbus -1.5 (+173) for plus-money value against an Islanders team ready for the offseason.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
