Rangers vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Why Columbus is favored to win Saturday's NHL matchup [10/17/2026]

Using innovative machine learning and data, we have re-simulated the result of Saturday's NHL matchup between the Rangers and Blue Jackets, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our leading predictive model gives the Blue Jackets a 53.4% chance of beating the Rangers. According to our model, the Rangers (+1.5) have a 67.9% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 55.8% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Puck Line: Rangers +1.5 (-210) / Blue Jackets -1.5 (+203)
• Moneyline: Rangers +120, Blue Jackets -122
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (+115/-117)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Puck line: Rangers +1.5 @ -210 via BetMGM
• Moneyline: Rangers @ 46¢ via Novig
• Total: Under 6.5 @ 54¢ via Novig

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6.5 total goals.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Rangers vs. Blue Jackets player props

Who will score a goal in Rangers vs. Blue Jackets?

According to our model, Pavel Dorofeyev is most likely to score an anytime goal in Rangers vs. Blue Jackets.

Our projections give Dorofeyev a 33.9% chance of scoring a goal at Nationwide Arena, while the star is a 7.1% chance of netting the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

NY Rangers

• Pavel Dorofeyev: 33.9% probability
• Mika Zibanejad: 31.4% probability
• Alexis Lafreniere: 30.1% probability
• J.T. Miller: 21.1% probability
• Will Cuylle: 20.8% probability

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Adam Fantilli: 30.1% probability
• Matthew Knies: 25.8% probability
• Zach Werenski: 24.1% probability
• Charlie Coyle: 23.3% probability
• Valeri Nichushkin: 22.8% probability

First goal scorer predictions

NY Rangers

• Pavel Dorofeyev: 7.1% probability
• Alexis Lafreniere: 6.2% probability
• Mika Zibanejad: 6.0% probability
• Gabe Perreault: 4.2% probability
• Will Cuylle: 3.9% probability

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Adam Fantilli: 6.3% probability
• Matthew Knies: 5.1% probability
• Zach Werenski: 4.7% probability
• Charlie Coyle: 4.2% probability
• Valeri Nichushkin: 4.0% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Saturday's matchup between the Blue Jackets and Rangers at Nationwide Arena is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: NY Rangers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
• Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: Nationwide Arena

Conclusion

We predict the Blue Jackets, with a 53.4% win probability, will likely beat the Rangers in Saturday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.