NHL · December 28, 2025
New York Islanders @ Columbus Blue Jackets
Free LineCrush game report for New York Islanders @ Columbus Blue Jackets on December 28, 2025, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.
Matchup Analysis
Rittich's Momentum vs. Greaves' Pressure
David Rittich arrives in Columbus fresh off a 27-save shutout performance in a 2-0 victory over the Rangers, while Jet Greaves gets the start for the Blue Jackets. The matchup favors experience as Rittich capitalizes on strong Islanders defensive play, while Greaves faces immediate pressure in a high-stakes divisional contest.
Werenski's Absence Cripples CBJ Offense
Zach Werenski, Columbus's leading scorer with 40 points and second among NHL defensemen with 14 goals, was placed on injured reserve Sunday with a lower-body injury. His absence removes the Blue Jackets' primary offensive engine from the backend and significantly weakens their power-play infrastructure.
Horvat's Leadership Against Depleted Defense
Bo Horvat leads the Islanders with 31 points and 19 goals, and faces a Columbus defense already thin without Werenski. The Islanders' leading scorer should find expanded ice and scoring opportunities against a Blue Jackets blue line forced to shuffle personnel.
Olivier's Return Provides CBJ Some Relief
Forward Mathieu Olivier returns for Columbus after missing 13 games with an upper-body injury dating to November 24. While adding depth is helpful, Olivier alone cannot offset Werenski's absence and the accumulated injuries across both rosters.
Injury Depth Charts Tell the Story
The Islanders operate without starting goalie Ilya Sorokin (lower body), forcing Rittich and Marcus Hogberg to shoulder the load, while the Blue Jackets lose their primary offensive defenseman and deal with continued absences from Gudbranson and Lundestrom. Team health significantly favors neither side, with the Islanders' goaltending depth more severely tested.
Divisional Positioning at Stake
The second-place Islanders (46 points, 21-13-4) host the eighth-place Blue Jackets (36 points, 15-15-6) in a Metropolitan Division matchup where the Islanders seek to maintain their position while Columbus desperately needs wins to climb out of the playoff bubble.
Pick Ideas
Islanders Moneyline (-135)
Back the Islanders' superior record and Rittich's recent shutout performance against a Blue Jackets squad without their leading scorer Werenski and starting a relatively untested Greaves.
Under Total Goals
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries affecting depth and chemistry. Rittich's recent 2-0 shutout demonstrates defensive tightness, while CBJ's offensive firepower is compromised without Werenski.
Bo Horvat Over 0.5 Goals
The Islanders' leading scorer faces a Columbus defense missing its best player and should generate multiple high-danger chances in a favorable matchup.
Islanders -1.5 Puck Line
New York's balanced roster and goaltending advantage should allow them to control pace and secure a multi-goal victory against a compromised Blue Jackets squad.