Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
TV: MSG Network / FanDuel Sports Network Ohio
Radio: 97.1 The Fan (Columbus) / ESPN New York 98.7 FM / SiriusXM NHL / NHL App
Game Context
The Blue Jackets hold 5th in the Metropolitan Division (10th in the Eastern Conference) with 66 points after an overtime loss to the Islanders on Saturday, sitting on the playoff bubble with a strong push post-Olympic break (points in 12 of last 14). The Rangers are 8th in the Metro (bottom of the division) with 53 points, well out of contention and focused on development amid a disappointing season. This is the second (or one of few) meetings in 2025-26; Columbus has the early edge or series tied depending on prior results. A Blue Jackets win would strengthen their wild-card push; Rangers seek to build on a recent shootout victory over Pittsburgh.
Recent Form
Columbus Blue Jackets (strong recent stretch, 11-2-1 in last 14 before OT loss):
- L 3-4 (OT) vs. New York Islanders (Mar 1) — Holmstrom OT winner; Columbus earned a point
- L 2-4 vs. Boston (recent)
- Points in 9 of 10 home games in 2026; solid road form (14-13-3 away)
Blue Jackets averaging competitive scoring and goaltending; resilient after break.
New York Rangers (snapped 5-game skid):
- W 3-2 (SO) vs. Pittsburgh (Feb 28/Mar 1) — Shesterkin 31 saves + SO; rallied from down 2
- L streak prior (0-4-1 in five games)
- Struggling overall (7-15-5 home) but goaltending shines in spots
Rangers showing fight at home but inconsistent.
Injury Report
Columbus Blue Jackets
- No major reported injuries; full lineup expected with key pieces healthy post-break.
New York Rangers
- No significant absences highlighted; core group (Panarin, Zibanejad, Shesterkin, etc.) available.
Both teams relatively healthy heading into the matchup.
Key Player Matchups
- Top Lines: Kirill Marchenko / Boone Jenner / Johnny Gaudreau (CBJ) vs. Artemi Panarin / Mika Zibanejad / Vincent Trocheck (NYR) — Gaudreau/Marchenko speed tests Rangers’ defense; Panarin/Zibanejad provide elite scoring threat.
- Goalie Duel: Daniil Tarasov / Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ, solid tandem) vs. Igor Shesterkin (NYR, 31 saves in SO win) — Shesterkin has been the Rangers’ bright spot; Columbus goaltending holds up in tight games.
- Defense/Physicality: Zach Werenski (CBJ, minute-eater) vs. Rangers blueline — Werenski’s mobility and points drive Columbus transition.
- Special Teams — Both mid-pack on PP/PK; expect disciplined play in Metro clash.
Series History
- 2025-26 season: Limited meetings; Columbus holds edge or tied based on prior (e.g., potential 1-0 or 0-0-1).
- All-time regular season: Rangers lead historically (31-21-4 or similar reg season).
- Recent trend: Competitive games; Columbus resilient in recent Metro matchups, but Rangers strong at MSG in spots.
Betting Trends
- Blue Jackets strong in Metro games lately; covering as slight road favorites.
- Rangers snapped skid but poor home record (7-15-5); +1.5 covers high rate.
- Total Under in many recent Rangers home games; low-scoring Metro tilts common.
- Columbus points in most recent games; Rangers 1-0 in SO recently.
Game Odds
Columbus Blue Jackets – 125
New York Rangers 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 1, 2026
