Blue Jackets Face Crucial Playoff Matchup Against Islanders

The Blue Jackets look to extend their hot streak against a desperate Islanders team fighting for a playoff spot.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:33pm

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The Columbus Blue Jackets head to Long Island to take on the New York Islanders in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. The Blue Jackets have won four straight games and are riding a 12-game point streak, putting them just one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for second place in the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, the Islanders have stumbled a bit lately, losing their last two games in regulation and sitting just outside the final playoff spot in the East. This game could go a long way in determining the playoff picture in the East.

Why it matters

This game is massive for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets are looking to solidify their spot in the playoffs, while the Islanders are desperate to get back into the postseason picture. The outcome of this game could have significant implications on the rest of the season for both clubs.

The details

The Blue Jackets are coming off an efficient 5-2 win over the Seattle Kraken, while the Islanders are looking to bounce back after a 7-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. The Islanders will likely start star goaltender Ilya Sorokin, who was pulled in the third period of the loss to Montreal. The Blue Jackets will give the nod to backup goalie Jet Greaves on the second half of a back-to-back. Both teams play a similar relentless, smothering style of hockey, so this game could turn into a defensive battle early on.

  • The Blue Jackets and Islanders play tonight, March 22, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets have won four straight games and earned points in 12 consecutive games.

The players

Mathew Barzal

The Islanders' leading scorer with 18 goals and 64 points on the season.

Bo Horvat

The Islanders' leading goal scorer with 28 goals on the year.

Matthew Schaefer

The rookie defenseman has energized the Islanders with 51 points, second-most on the team.

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have been playing a relentless, smothering style of hockey.

Patrick Roy

The head coach of the New York Islanders, who also employs a similar defensive-minded system.

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What’s next

The outcome of this game could have a significant impact on the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. If the Blue Jackets win, they will move into sole possession of second place in the Metropolitan Division. If the Islanders win, they will jump the Blue Jackets in the standings and move into the final playoff spot in the East.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Blue Jackets and Islanders is a crucial late-season game with major playoff implications. Both teams employ a similar defensive-minded style of play, so this could turn into a tightly contested battle. The outcome of this game will go a long way in determining the playoff fates of these two clubs.