The Boston Bruins (26-8-11) and New York Islanders (27-12-3) will do battle at Barclays Center at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Bruins-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.
Bruins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies
Tuukka Rask vs. Semyon Varlamov
Rask hits the crease with a 16-4-6 record, 2.29 goals-against average and .924 save percentage with two shutouts. However, the last time he faced the Isles (Dec. 19 in Boston), he allowed two goals on 23 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss.
Varlamov enters with a record similar to Rask, going 15-5-3 with a 2.30 GAA and .924 SV% and a pair of shutouts. He was on the winning side of that Dec. 19 battle, stopping two of the 31 shots. However, he shut out the high-octane Colorado Avalanche 1-0 Monday, stopping all 32 shots he faced.
Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.
Bruins at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Islanders 3, Bruins 2
Moneyline (ML)
The ISLANDERS (+110) are a nice value as short ‘dogs at home. Not to be unoriginal, but I like the score to end up the same as the last time the teams met Dec. 19.
While the B’s are 20-8 in the past 28 against Metropolitan Division opponents, they are just 4-9 in the past 13 when working on one day of rest. The Isles are 6-1 in their past seven as an underdog, and 5-1 in the past six as a ‘dog in their own barn. They’re also 9-3 in the past 12 against winning teams.
New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Islanders ML will profit $11.00 if they win.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
These are two really good teams, and the puck line isn’t a recommended option. No one is getting blown out here. If you want insurance at home, the Islanders (+1.5, -250) is probably the way to go, but I don’t like risking two and a half times my investment.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 5.5 (-121) is where it’s at, as Rask and Varlamov have been on point all season. The last time these two netminders locked horns it was an Under result, and this time should be no different.
Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]