Two clubs at opposite ends of their conference's standings, the Columbus Blue Jackets (16th in the Eastern Conference at 15-15-6) and the New York Islanders (third in the Eastern Conference at 21-13-4), square off on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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Ahead of this matchup, here's who we project to emerge victorious in Sunday's hockey game.
In the past 10 contests for the Islanders (6-3-1), their offense has put up 23 goals while their defense has given up 20 goals. They have had 27 power-play opportunities during that time, and have scored six goals (22.2%).
Blue Jackets vs. Islanders Predictions for Sunday
Our computer model for this game expects a final tally of Blue Jackets 4, Islanders 3.
- Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-135)
- Total Pick: Over 6 (computer predicts 6.2 goals on average)
- Spread Pick: Islanders (+1.5)
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Blue Jackets Splits and Trends
- The Blue Jackets (15-15-6 overall) have a 7-6-13 record in contests that have required overtime.
- Columbus is 6-6-5 (17 points) in its 17 games decided by one goal.
- Looking at the nine times this season the Blue Jackets ended a game with only one goal, they have a 1-6-2 record, good for four points.
- Columbus has lost all five games this season when it scored a pair of goals.
- The Blue Jackets are 14-3-4 in the 21 games when they have scored three or more goals (to record 32 points).
- In the 12 games when Columbus has recorded a single power-play goal, it has a 6-3-3 record (15 points).
- In the 19 games this season in which it has outshot its opponent, Columbus is 8-8-3 (19 points).
- The Blue Jackets have been outshot by opponents in 17 games, going 7-7-3 to register 17 points.
Islanders Splits and Trends
- The Islanders have a 6-4-10 record in overtime games this season and a 21-13-4 overall record.
- New York has earned 18 points (9-3-0) in its 12 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
- This season the Islanders recorded just one goal in six games and they lost every time.
- When New York has scored a pair of goals this season, they've earned 11 points (5-6-1 record).
- The Islanders have scored more than two goals in 19 games, earning 33 points from those contests.
- New York has scored a single power-play goal in 13 games this season and has recorded 20 points from those matchups.
- When outshooting its opponent this season, New York is 4-9-3 (11 points).
- The Islanders' opponents have had more shots in 20 games. The Islanders finished 16-4-0 in those contests (32 points).
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Team Stats Comparison
| Blue Jackets Rank | Blue Jackets AVG | Islanders AVG | Islanders Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22nd | 2.89 | Goals Scored | 2.79 | 23rd |
| 29th | 3.44 | Goals Allowed | 2.63 | 6th |
| 4th | 29.8 | Shots | 28.4 | 14th |
| 30th | 30.7 | Shots Allowed | 28.2 | 17th |
| 11th | 20.65% | Power Play % | 15.7% | 27th |
| 30th | 74.26% | Penalty Kill % | 82.08% | 11th |
Blue Jackets vs. Islanders Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- Where: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
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