The New York Rangers welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets to Madison Square Garden tonight in what could be a season-defining matchup for both teams' playoff hopes, with the Rangers sitting just outside the wildcard spot and trailing Columbus by a single point.
Both teams enter this divisional clash with contrasting momentum - the Rangers have gone 4-2 in their last six despite back-to-back overtime losses, while Columbus looks to snap a two-game skid after dropping matches to Tampa Bay and Florida.
The Rangers have had Columbus's number this season with a 2-0 series lead, but tonight's battle between the Metropolitan Division rivals could hinge on whether the home team's stellar defense (just 10 goals allowed in their last five) can contain a potent Blue Jackets offense that's averaging 3.3 goals per game.
New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets prediction: who will win?
For tonight's New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets matchup, our predictive model gives the Rangers a 54% chance of defeating the Jackets.
New York Rangers: 54% win probability
- Superior goal differential (-2 vs CBJ's -12)
- Better defensive record (190 goals against vs CBJ's 205)
- More consistent scoring output (192 goals for vs CBJ's 178)
Columbus Blue Jackets: 46% win probability
- Poor road performance (24 losses this season)
- Defensive struggles (205 goals against, ranking 20th in league)
- Recent inconsistency (LLWWW form showing volatility)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.
New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets odds
Here are the latest odds for this NHL matchup as the New York Rangers host the Columbus Blue Jackets at home on Sunday, March 09.
| New York Rangers | Columbus Blue Jackets | |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | -135 (via DraftKings Sportsbook) | +120 (via bet365 US) |
New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets preview
The Rangers and Blue Jackets are set for a crucial Metropolitan Division showdown at Madison Square Garden, with both teams desperately fighting for the final wildcard spot in a tight playoff race.
Columbus enters MSG having cooled off after a hot streak, dropping their last two road games despite impressive recent wins against powerhouses like Dallas and Detroit.
The Rangers, who've had the Blue Jackets' number this season with a 2-0 series lead, look to build on their solid 3-1-2 run despite playing on back-to-back nights following Saturday's overtime loss in Ottawa.
Keep an eye on Columbus's Zach Werenski, who's been on fire with four points in his last five games, while the Rangers counter with Artemi Panarin finding his groove - though he's yet to crack the scoresheet against his former team this year.
The goaltending matchup should be interesting - Columbus's Elvis Merzlikins has been inconsistent behind a defense that gives up tons of shots, while the Rangers might turn to veteran Jonathan Quick after Igor Shesterkin started Saturday.
The Garden's bound to be electric for this one, with both teams knowing these two points could make or break their playoff hopes.
Key stats
- 1Both teams sit neck-and-neck at 68 points, battling for playoff position in Metropolitan Division
- 2Columbus shows stronger offensive output with 207 goals scored vs Rangers' 192, despite identical position
- 3Rangers hold slight defensive edge allowing 190 goals against compared to Columbus' 205
- 4Columbus enters with hot streak LLWWW while Rangers showing mixed form LLWWL
New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets form
New York Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets head to head
New York Rangers
67%
Columbus Blue Jackets
33%
Feb 9, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets
3 : 4
New York Rangers
Jan 19, 2025
New York Rangers
1 : 0
Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 29, 2024
New York Rangers
4 : 1
Columbus Blue Jackets
Feb 25, 2024
Columbus Blue Jackets
4 : 2
New York Rangers
Nov 13, 2023
New York Rangers
4 : 3
Columbus Blue Jackets
Oct 14, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets
5 : 3
New York Rangers
