The Pittsburgh Penguins (5-5-1) visit the New York Islanders (5-4-2) Thursday for a 7 p.m. puck drop. Below we analyze the Penguins-Islanders NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Penguins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:54 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Penguins -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Islanders -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+230) | Islanders +1.5 (-300)
- Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies
Tristan Jarry (2-4-1, 3.95 GAA, .857 SV%) at Semyon Varlamov (5-2-1, 1.88 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO)
Jarry has allowed four goals in each of his past two starts, including the most recent meeting Saturday at this very same venue in a 4-3 loss. He made 22 saves on 26 shots, but he allowed a power-play goal to Islanders C Anders Lee with just 2:44 to go in regulation for the difference maker.
Varlamov started the season on fire with a pair of shutouts, but he went 0-2-1 with 11 goals allowed in three starts from Jan. 26-30. He has since bounced back, going 2-0-0 with a 1.50 GAA and .951 SV% in two February starts. Varlamov was on the winning end of Lee’s late heroics in Saturday’s game, making 28 saves against 31 shots.
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Penguins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Islanders 4, Penguins 2
Money line (ML)
The ISLANDERS (-105) are a good bet in this home meeting against the Penguins as Varlamov has been a real difference maker. On the flip side, Jarry has struggled for the Pens. Head coach Mike Sullivan is giving Jarry a little bit of a longer leash, hoping the goaltender can work through his struggles and return to his All-Star form.
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Against the spread (ATS)
New York’s price of +1.5 (-300) is to chalky. However, the alternate line of ISLANDERS -1.5 (+260) is worth a small-unit play. The Isles are coming off a 2-0 win over the New York Rangers last time out, and three of their five wins also have covered the puck line. They’re a good play here as you can more than double your initial wager.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 5.5 (-105) is a risky play based on Varlamov but also a good play based on Jarry’s recent performances. As long as the Penguins can strike for at least two goals against the red-hot Varly, you should be OK for a successful Over ticket. Just go lightly.
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