Tag: Islanders

Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Florida Panthers at New York Islanders NHL Playoffs Qualifier Round sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Florida Panthers and the New York Islanders tangle Saturday in Game 1 of their best-of-five NHL Playoffs Qualifier Series round at 4 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, one of two hub locations for the NHL restart. We analyze the Panthers-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Thomas Greiss

Bobrovsky, who made the start in Wednesday’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, registered a 23-19-6 record, 3.23 goals-against average and .900 save percentage across 50 games (49 starts). It wasn’t exactly the type of production the team hoped they’d get from Bobrovsky after backing up a Brink’s truck to his house last offseason. However, he can wash all of those buyer’s remorse feelings away with a strong postseason run. It might be tough, however, as he was 0-2-0 in two starts against the Isles, although he had a respectable 2.05 GAA and .938 SV%.

Greiss was the backstop in a 2-1 exhibition win over the rival New York Rangers on Wednesday night, a good sign he’ll be manning the crease in Game 1 against the Cats. While “Bob” was pretty good against the Isles this season, Greiss was just a little better against the Panthers. Greiss posted a 2-0-0 record, 1.00 GAA and .972 save percentage in two regular-season starts, stopping 69 of the 71 pucks he faced.

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Panthers vs. Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 10:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Panthers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-121) have won four consecutive meetings with the Panthers (+100), so there is a lot of confidence for the boys in blue and orange. In addition, the favorite has cashed in five of the previous six meetings in this series. New York is trying to wash a bad taste out of its mouth after being swept by the Carolina Hurricanes in the postseason a year ago. Florida will be getting its feet wet, returning to the postseason since 2016. That invaluable experience last season for the Isles, albeit brief, will be the difference, as well as having Barry Trotz behind the bench.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $8.30, while a $10 wager on the Panthers results in a profit of $10.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

It might be a good idea to go lightly on ISLANDERS (-1.5, +225) on the puck line. Keep in mind, though, that while New York won each of the previous three regular-season meetings, one win came in a shootout, and the other in a 2-1 win in regulation on the Island. Either way, the moneyline cashed twice, and the puck line did not. So tread lightly.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-110) is a slam-dunk play in this one. Expect the skaters to look like they’re pushing in sand early in the qualifiers after a long layoff, taking at least a game or two to knock off the rust. Plus, the first three meetings between these clubs each cashed the under. Look for more of the same.

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New York Islanders at Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s New York Islanders at Vancouver Canucks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Islanders (35-23-9) continue their road trip, visiting the Vancouver Canucks (35-27-6) at Rogers Arena Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Canucks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Thatcher Demko

Varlamov checks in with a 19-14-5 record, 2.59 goals against average and .915 save percentage. But the real story is his play on the road, where he has been much better. He’s just 8-8-1 in 20 appearances, including 17 starts, away from home, but he has an impressive 2.28 GAA and .925 SV%.

Demko has been tasked with holding down the fort since Jacob Markstrom (knee) went down, with Louis Domingue brought in to be the understudy. Demko is 12-10-2 with a 3.03 GAA and .904 SV%, including 8-3-1 in 13 appearances on home ice, while Domingue lost his only start since joining the Canucks, allowing four goals on 34 shots.

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Islanders at Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 5, Canucks 3

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+105) are short dogs on the road, but a real value here. They have dropped six in a row, but that’s not going to go on forever. They’re due, and they enter with a couple days of rest – they’re 7-2 in the past nine on two days of rest. They have also topped the Canucks (-129) in six of the past eight meetings overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to grab the road win returns a profit of $10.50 if they prevail, while a $10 wager on the Canucks nets a profit of $7.75.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I’m backing the Islanders (+1.5, -250) on the moneyline to win straight up, so I am not interested in this insurance, especially if I have to risk two and a half times my investment. The Canucks (-1.5, +200) are tempting play if you think the Isles will continue their skid.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-106) is 6-1-1 in the past eight meetings in this series. While the Under is 6-0 in New York’s past six against the Western Conference, there is something about Tuesday that brings out the offense. The Over is 10-0-1 in New York’s past 11 played on a Tuesday.

For Vancouver, the Over has connected in eight of the past 10, and 5-1 in the past six at home. The Over is also 5-2 in its past seven against winning teams.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Montreal Canadiens at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Montreal Canadiens at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Montreal Canadiens (30-28-9) tangle with the New York Islanders (35-21-8) Tuesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Canadiens-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Canadiens at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price vs. Thomas Greiss

Price is 26-23-6 with a 2.76 goals against average and .910 save percentage across 55 starts. While he actually has a losing record since the All-Star break, going 6-7-2, his GAA is better than his season numbers at 2.54. He also has a 2.63 GAA on the road in 25 outings as opposed to a 2.87 in 30 contests at home. He allowed two goals on 23 shots in a 4-2 win over the Isles at Bell Centre in his only previous start vs. NYI this season.

Greiss is 16-8-3 with a 2.65 GAA and .916% SV% across 29 starts and two relief appearances. He is 9-2-1 with a 2.44 GAA and .917 SV% in 13 home games (12 starts). He lost to the Canadiens Dec. 23, yielding three goals on 39 shots.

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Canadiens at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Canadiens 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-143) have rattled off five wins in the past seven home games, and they’re 5-1 in the past six as a home favorite. The Isles are also 15-5 in their past 20 against Atlantic Division foes, making them an attractive play against the Canadiens (+120). Montreal is just 3-7 in the past 10, and 2-5 in the past seven tries against winning teams.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders ML returns a profit of $6.99 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Canadiens ML results in a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This is going to be a close battle with strong goaltending. Goals will be at a premium. If the Islanders (-1.5, +185) do cover the puck line, bettors will likely need to sweat out an empty-net goal in the final seconds. Too risky. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The O/U is set at 5.5 (Over +100, Under -121). The under is a risky, considering the Over is 6-1 in the past seven for the Habs, and 5-0 in the past five against winning teams. However, the Under is 8-1 in the past nine for the Isles. The trends are all over the board, making this a play to AVOID.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Boston Bruins at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Boston Bruins at New York Islanders matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Boston Bruins (40-13-12) tangle with the New York Islanders (35-20-8) Saturday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Colisum in Uniondale, N.Y. at 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Bruins-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Bruins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Semyon Varlamov

Rask steps into the crease looking to redeem himself after a loss last time out against the Flames, his first on home ice. The last time he faced the Islanders on the road, he picked up a 3-2 overtime win, making 35 saves. He also lost in a shootout at home on Dec. 19 to the Isles.

Varlamov puts his 19-12-5 record, 2.51 goals against average and .918 save percentage on the line against the B’s. He has actually been better on the road than at home. He beat the B’s in Boston on Dec. 19, making 27 saves in that shootout win, but dropped an OT game Jan. 11 despite 30 saves on 33 shots.

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Bruins at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-143) are a good play on the road against the Islanders (+120), who are short dogs at home in matinee action. The road team is 19-7 in the past 26 in this series, with the B’s owning the Islanders in their barn, going 17-4 in the past 21 trips to the Island. They’re also 30-11 in the past 41 meetings overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bruins ML returns a profit of $7 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Islanders ML results in a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Bruins (-1.5, +190) are awfully tempting at this price, although they’ve been a little shaky lately. Yes, they have dominated the Islanders (+1.5, -239) over a lengthy period, but either team winning by two or more goals seems remote. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-129) is the play here, going 4-0-1 in the previous five meetings in this series. The under is also 3-1-2 in the past six battles on the Island. The goaltending is very good on both sides, so goals should be at a premium.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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The New York Islanders (35-20-7) lock horns with the St. Louis Blues (37-17-10) Thursday at Enterprise Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Jordan Binnington

Varlamov suffered a tough 4-3 loss in overtime against the New York Rangers Tuesday, snapping a two-game winning streak. While he is 19-12-5 with a 2.51 goals against average and .918 save percentage in 41 appearances (36 starts), he is actually much better on the road. He is just 8-7-1, but he has a 2.18 GAA and .928 SV% in 19 road games, including 16 starts.

Binnington has racked up a 28-11-7 record, 2.61 GAA and .911 SV% in 46 starts. His splits easily favor him at home, as he is 19-4-5 with a 2.23 GAA and .919 SV% with all three of his shutouts at Enterprise Center, while going just 9-7-2 with a 3.22 GAA and .900 SV% on the road.

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Islanders at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-176) are heavily favored at home behind Binnington. This won’t be a slam-dunk play, however, as the Islanders (+145) just made some key acquisitions at the trade deadline. While the home team should still come out ahead, go very lightly.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues ML returns a profit of $5.68 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Islanders ML results in a profit of $14.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This game is going to be super close, and could need overtime or a shootout to determine a winner. As such, you cannot play the Blues (-1.5, +145). However, the Islanders (+1.5, -176) is just a little too expensive. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-121) has connected in six of the past seven games overall for the Islanders, and 5-0 in the past five against Western Conference foes. For the Blues, they have hit the Over in six of the past seven against Eastern Conference teams, while the Over is 8-3-1 in the past 12 against winning teams. Don’t get carried away, but bank on a lower-scoring game.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Rangers at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s New York Rangers at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Rangers (33-24-4) and rival New York Islanders (35-20-6) will tangle Tuesday at Nassau Coliseum at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Rangers-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Rangers at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev vs. Semyon Varlamov

Georgiev went from being a name dangled at the NHL trade deadline, to suddenly a very valuable member of what is a two-goalie rotation once again. Promising rookie Igor Shesterkin suffered a non-displaced rib fracture which will send him to the shelf for at least a couple of weeks. Georgiev is 14-12-1 with a 2.98 goals against average and .912 save percentage through his 26 starts and two relief appearances.

Varlamov is 19-12-4 with a 2.47 GAA and .920 SV% through 35 starts and 40 appearances. The backstop has struggled against the Blueshirts this season, going 0-2-0 with a 4.92 GAA and .857 SV% in two starts. Perhaps Thomas Greiss gets a look. He is 16-8-2 with a 2.65 GAA and .916 SV% overall this season, winning his only start against the Rangers Jan. 13 at MSG with two goals allowed on 42 shots.

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Rangers at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rangers 4, Islanders 3

Moneyline (ML)

The RANGERS (+115) are worth a look on the moneyline in this key rivalry game, even on the road. Even though the Islanders (-139) added some key parts at the deadline, and the Rangers parted with the likes of D Brady Skjei, the Rangers should be able to rally around the injury to Shesterkin and F Pavel Buchnevich, who was also in the car wreck.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rangers to win returns a profit of $11.50, while a $10 wager on the Islanders results in a profit of $7.20.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line can be avoided when picking the underdog to win outright. The Rangers (+1.5, -208) will cost you a stake of more than two times your return. That’s unacceptable. The Islanders (-1.5, +170) are the value at home on the puck line if you’re backing them. I’m not, PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-134) is an impressive 10-3-1 in the past 14 for the Rangers against winning teams, and 9-4-1 in the past 14 as a road dog.  The Islanders have posted a 5-2 Over/Under mark in their past seven games at home, and the Over is 7-3 in their past 10 as a favorite, too. For what it’s worth, the Over is 9-1-1 in their past 11 appearances on a Tuesday.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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San Jose Sharks at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s San Jose Sharks at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Jose Sharks (26-31-4) continue their road trip against the New York Islanders (34-20-6) Sunday at 5 p.m. ET at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. We analyze the Sharks-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Sharks at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Martin Jones vs. Thomas Greiss

Jones puts his 14-18-2 record, 3.11 goals against average and .894 save percentage on the line as the road trip continues. He allowed just one goal on 28 shots in the first meeting with the Islanders at SAP Center in San Jose back on Nov. 23, a 2-1 win in overtime.

Greiss was originally drafted in the third round in 2004 by the Sharks. He is likely to face his original organization in this one, although it is unconfirmed. Greiss is 16-8-2 with a 2.65 GAA and .916 SV% in his 26 starts and 28 appearances overall. If not, Semyon Varlamov (18-12-4, 2.51 GAA, .918 SV%) would get the call.

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Sharks at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Sharks 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Sharks (+170) are expected to be sellers leading up to Monday’s NHL trade deadline. They parted with D Brenden Dillon last week. C Joe Thornton, among others, might be following Dillon out the door. As such, the Islanders (-209) are the play. However, you can’t take them risking more than twice the return. AVOID.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $4.78, while a $10 wager on the Sharks results in a profit of $17.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, +135) slapped the brakes on a four-game losing skid and offensive drought Friday, topping the Red Wings 4-1. The past four wins by the Islanders have also resulted in them covering the puck line, too, so go this route rather than the more expensive moneyline.

Over/Under (O/U)

The lean is to the UNDER 5.5 (-115), which has been the play in each of the past five for the Islanders. That was also the play in the first meeting in San Jose between these two teams. The Under is also 4-1 in the past five for the Sharks, and 7-1 in the past eight on the road.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Detroit Red Wings at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Detroit Red Wings at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Detroit Red Wings (15-43-4) travel to meet the New York Islanders (33-20-6) Friday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Red Wings-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Red Wings at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Bernier vs. Semyon Varlamov

Bernier has turned into a trade chip for the lowly Wings leading up to Monday’s deadline. He’ll have at least one more game to build his stock. He enters with a 13-17-2 record, 2.89 goals against average and .908 save percentage, which looks bad. However, those numbers are phenomenal given how poorly Jimmy Howard has played, going 2-22-2 with a 4.08 GAA and .886 SV%. Howard was in the crease, allowing three goals in just 7:56 before getting pulled, in an 8-2 loss Jan. 14 at the Isles.

Varlamov enters 17-12-4 with a 2.55 GAA and .918 SV%, with each of the past two categories slightly ahead of his career numbers. He didn’t start that mid-January start against the Wings, but he allowed just one goal on 31 shots in a 4-1 win in Detroit Dec. 2.

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Red Wings at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Red Wings 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (-304) should be AVOIDED, not because they’re not going to win, but you have to risk over three times the return on investment. It’s just not worth the risk of an upset. Ask those who laid big money on the Canadiens in Detroit Tuesday – a 4-3 loss. However, the Wings (+240) have won just once in the past seven meetings.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders ML returns a profit of $3.29, while a $10 wager on the Red Wings ML results in a profit of $24.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, -106) are a better bet on the puck line, even though you still won’t catch plus-money backing them to win by 2 goals or more. Despite the win by the Red Wings (+1.5, -115) last time out, they’ve averaged just 1.7 goals per game across the past seven outings, and rank last in the league with a 2.02 GPG for the season.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-129) is the play here as the Red Wings are terrible at putting the biscuit in the basket. The Under is 4-0-1 in the past five on the road for the Wings, while going 5-1-1 in the past seven overall. The Under is also 4-0 in the past four for the Isles, and 5-1-2 in the past eight against Atlantic Division foes. However, tread lightly, as the Over is 13-3 in the past 16 meetings in New York, while the Isles are 5-0 in the past five at home.

Want some action in this one? 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.

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New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Islanders (33-19-6) visit the Colorado Avalanche (33-18-7) Wednesday at Pepsi Center for a 10 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Islanders-Avalanche odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Both teams are on three-game skids after losing Monday. The Islanders fell at the Arizona Coyotes 2-1, while the Avs dropped a 4-3 overtime decision at home to the hot Tampa Bay Lightning – who won their 11th in a row.

Islanders at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Pavel Francouz

Varlamov is 17-11-4 with a 2.53 goals against average (GAA) and .918 save percentage. He lost his last two starts despite playing well; he allowed only 2 goals on 32 shots Monday, and he stopped 42 of 43 shots in a 1-0 loss at the Vegas Golden Knights Saturday. Varlamov, who played eight seasons for the Avs before signing with the Islanders as a free agent this past offseason, shut out his former team 1-0 Jan. 6, stopping all 32 shots.

Francouz is 13-5-3 with a 2.51 GAA and a .922 SV%. He allowed 4 goals on 27 shots in Monday’s OT defeat after winning his last two starts. He took the loss in the first head-to-head meeting with the Isles, allowing just a third-period Anders Lee goal on 33 shots.

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Islanders at Avalanche: Key injuries

Islanders

  • C Casey Cizikas (leg) out
  • RW Cal Clutterbuck (wrist) out
  • D Adam Pelech (Achilles) out for season

Avalanche

  • G Philipp Grubauer (groin) out
  • LW Matt Calvert (lower body) out
  • RW Mikko Rantanen (collarbone) out
  • C Nazem Kadri (ankle) out
  • C Colin Wilson (lower body) out

Islanders at Avalanche: 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 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 2, Avalanche 1

Moneyline (ML)

There’s value in backing Varlamov’s ISLANDERS (+135) considering he shut out the Avalanche (-167) last month. Plus, the Islanders won five of their last six games against the Avs. The Isles are 1-4 in their last 5 road games, 1-7 in their last 8 games as an underdog, and 1-6 in their last 7 as a road dog, so, beware. I’m keeping this to a small-unit play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Colorado (-1.5, +165) is an impressive 33-25 vs. the PL overall, but just 15-14 at home. New York (+1.5, -200) is not worth the risk. Every $2 wagered on the Islanders PL will profit $1 if they win, or lose by a single goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Before the Avs’ Monday OT game, they played 6 Unders in a row – all 5 goals or less. The Islanders are on a 3-game Under streak. Look for both goalies to have solid games, just like the last time they faced off. The Avs are the highest-scoring team in the league (3.55 goals per game), but the Under is 5-1 in the last 6 head-to-head meetings in Colorado.

Every $1.06 wagered on the Under will profit $1 if the two teams combine for 5 or fewer goals.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. 

Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 9-5.

Strongest plays (all sports) since Dec. 1: 23-10.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Islanders at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Islanders (33-17-6) visit the Vegas Golden Knights (29-22-8) Saturday at T-Mobile Arena for a 10:30 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Islanders-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Both teams played Thursday. The Islanders lost 5-0 at the Nashville Predators, snapping a two-game win streak, while the Golden Knights ended a two-game skid with a 6-5 OT home win vs. the St. Louis Blues.

The Islanders took the first regular-season matchup with Vegas when Ryan Pulock scored in OT for a 3-2 home victory Dec. 5.

Islanders at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Varlamov is 17-9-4 with a 2.59 goals against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. Varlamov won his last start, stopping 35 of 38 shots in a 5-3 home win vs. the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday. He did play Thursday in relief, stopping 16 of 18 shots in the Nashville loss. In the December victory vs. Vegas, the Russian native was the winning goalie, saving 31 of 33 shots.

Fleury, who didn’t play in that first head-to-head meeting, is 21-14-5 with a 2.87 GAA and a .904 SV%. He lost his last two starts, allowing 9 goals on 54 shots. He is 2-2-1 with 2.97 GAA and an .878 SV% in February, but he did shut out Nashville 3-0 Feb. 1.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Islanders at Golden Knights: Key injuries

Islanders

  • C Casey Cizikas (leg) out, on IR
  • RW Cal Clutterbuck (wrist) out, on IR
  • D Adam Pelech (Achilles’) out for season

Golden Knights

  • RW Alex Tuch (lower body) questionable

Islanders at Golden Knights: 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 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 5, Islanders 4

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-176) are worth a small wager despite a price higher than I usually prefer. Every $1.76 wagered on the Knights’ ML will profit $1 if they win. Vegas is 15-10-4 at home, while New York (+145) is a respectable 15-10-2 on the road. But I expect the momentum from Thursday’s thrilling Blues win to carry over into this one for the Golden Knights – who are 5-3-2 since Peter DeBoer took over as coach.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Vegas (-1.5, +155) and New York (+1.5, -189) are both under .500 vs. the PL. The Golden Knights are 23-38 overall and 9-20 at home vs. the PL, while the Islanders are 26-30 overall, but 14-13 on the road vs. the PL.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-134) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Four of Vegas’ last five games have seen at least 6 goals, while six of New York’s last eight games have reached at least 6 goals.

Every $1.34 wagered on the Over will profit $1 if the two combine for 6 or more goals.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. 

Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 9-4.

Strongest plays since Dec. 1: 22-9.

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