The New York Islanders (16-3-1) travel cross country to face the San Jose Sharks (11-11-1) at SAP Center Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Sharks odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.
Islanders at Sharks: Projected starting goalies
Semyon Varlamov vs. Martin Jones
Varlamov has a 7-2-1 record with a 2.70 goals against average and .912 save percentage. He looks to rebound after giving up a whopping 12 goals in his previous three starts.
Jones has a 8-8-1 record with a 3.34 GAA and .885 SV%. He has won four of his last five starts but has given up three or more goals in four straight outings. Jones has seen one 30-plus shot game over the previous five starts.
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Islanders at Sharks: 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 10:55 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Sharks 4, Islanders 2
Moneyline (ML)
The SHARKS (-110) are almost dead even on the moneyline at home despite winning six of their last seven games. Yes, the goaltending is less than optimal but San Jose is more than capable of outscoring its goaltender.
The Sharks should be able to take advantage of an Islanders team on the first leg of their West Coast trip.
A $10 bet with San Jose results in a $9.09 profit with an outright win for the Sharks.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
A fast start is vital for the Sharks here. This one is tough but lean to San Jose (-1.5, +215) for the heavy value.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 5.5 (-134) is dangling a carrot and we are taking this hook, line, and sinker. Yes, it carries some inherent risk, but San Jose could score four or more by themselves if Varlamov starts. They have a familiarity with him from his days with the Colorado Avalanche.
Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a decent $7.46 profit with a total of six or more goals scored.
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