Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Rangers Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 03/02/26

The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to avoid a 3-game losing streak when they visit the New York Rangers on Monday night. Columbus has been on fire since Rick Bowness took over for Dean Evason behind the bench, but they’ve struggled out of the gate following the Olympic break with back-to-back losses to the Bruins and Islanders. However, the good news is that the offense is still in a groove, as they’ve scored 5 goals over the last 2 games and out-shot Boston 40-22 and New York 30-26. Zach Werenski continues to produce at an elite level, as he enters this contest riding a career-best 9-game point streak. The Rangers have not been a solid defensive team this season, and a lot has been asked of Igor Shesterkin between the pipes. He was dynamite on Saturday against the Penguins, but the Blue Jackets should come out firing an give him all he can handle.

New York’s offensive struggles at home are well-documented, but going up against Columbus goaltender Elvis Merzlikins could present plenty of opportunities. After Jet Greaves started for Columbus on Sunday night against the Islanders, Merzlikins is expected to be in net for this contest at Madison Square Garden. Merzlikins has essentially been regulated to Columbus’ back-up role, as he owns a 3.47 goals-against average to go along with a less-than-ideal .887 save percentage in 22 games this season. Make it a small play, but look to the over in this one.

Blue Jackets vs Rangers prediction: Over 6 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.