Tag: Islanders

New York Islanders at Nashville Predators odds, picks and best bets

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

The Nashville Predators (26-22-7) host the New York Islanders (33-16-6) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 8 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Islanders-Predators sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Pekka Rinne

Varlamov has posted an impressive 17-9-4 record, 2.59 goals against average and .915 save percentage across 30 starts and four relief appearances this season, and he has actually been way better on the road. He has a 2.91 GAA in 17 starts and 19 games at home while posting a sparkling 2.18 GAA in 13 starts and 15 appearances on the road. His save percentage is .926 on the road, too, as opposed to .907 at home.

Rinne has been in a little bit of a funk lately. While his 17-13-3 overall record isn’t bad, he has a subpar 3.11 GAA and .895 save percentage. In each of his first 11 full seasons in the NHL he has never had a GAA above 2.77 or a save percentage under .902. He beat the Isles earlier this season in New York, allowing three goals on 30 shots back on Dec. 17 in an 8-3 rout by the Preds.

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

Islanders at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Predators 3

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+125) will likely be scouring over the video from their mid-December shellacking by five goals in New York. The Predators (-150) are favored in this one, but you can expect the Isles to return the favor.

Life hasn’t been as good for the Preds lately, as they’re just 2-8 in their past 10 games against winning teams, and 1-5 in their past six at home. Meanwhile, the Islanders have won four of their past five overall. New York is just playing a little better lately, so they’re the play on the road. Plus, Varlamov’s splits are heads and tails better away from home.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $12.50, while a $10 wager on the Predators results in a profit of $6.70.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Islanders (+1.5, -223) are a nice play on the road as short dogs on the moneyline, but they’re too expensive catching a goal and a half. The Predators (-1.5, +180) are a tempting play, and the public has been all over the home side on the ML, driving the price up significantly. Nashville covered the puck line in December in the first meeting, but they were also playing much better back then. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (-125) is 5-1-1 in New York’s past seven games overall, and 6-2 in the past eight against Western Conference foes. The Over is 12-1 in the past 13 for Nashville against Eastern Conference opponents, too, while going 7-3 in the past 10 against winning teams.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

New York Islanders at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

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

The New York Islanders (31-16-6) and Washington Capitals (36-14-5) drop the puck at Capital One Arena at 7 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Islanders-Capitals sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Ilya Samsonov

Varlamov is 16-9-4 with a 2.58 goals against average and .915 save percentage. The veteran has actually been heads and tails better on the road than at home, posting a 2.90 GAA and .906 SV% at home, and a sparkling 2.18 GAA and .926 SV% mark on the road. He is 1-2-0 with a 3.39 GAA and .896 SV% in three starts against the Caps this season.

The rookie Samsonov is expected to get the nod after Braden Holtby was tuned up and pulled from his last start against the Flyers over the weekend. Samsonov has a tremendous 16-3-1 record, 2.19 GAA and .923 SV% through his 18 starts and four relief appearances. He has faced the Isles twice, including one start, posting a 2-0-0 record, 0.75 GAA and .970 save percentage.

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

Islanders at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 4, Islanders 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (+155) are a tempting play at this price level, but Varlamov and head coach Barry Trotz’s bunch have struggled against the Capitals (-189). Look for the home side to win, although they’re a risky play with this kind of chalk. AVOID and look to the puck line.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $15.50, while a $10 wager on the Capitals results in a profit of $5.30.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CAPITALS (-1.5, +145) are a great play at home with a moderate return. If it were Holtby in the crease, it would be much riskier, but they’re a better play with Samsonov in net. Plus, Washington took it on the chin last time out by a 7-2 score, so you know they’ll be champing at the bit. Look for Washington to get off to a fast start in this one.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (+115) is a value play at plus-money. While the Over is 3-1-1 in the Isles’ past five games overall, the Under is 24-9-3 in their past 36 as a road underdog and 35-17-4 in their past 56 on the road. The Under is also 5-2 in the past seven meetings in this series, too.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Los Angeles Kings at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Los Angeles Kings at New York Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Los Angeles Kings (19-30-5) and New York Islanders (30-15-6) tangle at Barclays Center at 7 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Kings-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Kings at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Quick vs. Thomas Greiss

Quick’s expected to get the nod again after the Kings dealt backup Jack Campbell to the Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday. The team recalled Cal Petersen from Ontario of the AHL to serve as the backup to Quick, but it’s unlikely they’ll thrust him right into the crease in a tough road game. Quick is 11-20-3 with a 3.02 goals against average and .895 save percentage. He is coming off a 4-2 loss Tuesday in Washington.

Greiss is 14-7-2 with a 2.50 GAA and .922 SV% through his 23 starts and two relief appearances. He is 8-2-1 with a 2.39 GAA and .920 SV% in his 12 appearances at home.

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

Kings 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 9:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Kings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (-189) will cost you nearly two times your investment which is just too much. The Kings (+155) are starting to sell off some key parts, dealing Campbell and forward Kyle Clifford Wednesday. Still, while New York is a very good certainty to win, AVOID the moneyline in favor of the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $5.30, while a $10 wager on the Kings results in a profit of $15.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, +150) are a better play on the puck line against the lowly Kings (+1.5, -182), who rank 28th in the NHL in goal differential at minus-38.

The last time these teams met, Nov. 27 at Staples Center, the Kings won 4-1 behind Quick against Semyon Varlamov. However, the Kings are 0-4 in their past four trips to Long Island/Brooklyn, and the home team is 8-1 in the previous nine meetings.

If you’re into alternate bets – under ‘other’ – check out the winning margin in regular time. Islanders to win by exactly 2 (+500) is also worth a look. You could turn $5 into $25, for example.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+105) is the play here, as the Isles have the offense to come close to taking care of it themselves. The Over is 4-1-1 in the past six at home for the Isles, and 6-2-2 in the past 10 overall. The Over is also 6-2 in the past eight meetings and 4-0-1 in the past five on Long Island.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

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

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

The New York Rangers (22-19-4) commute to the Island for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop against the New York Islanders (28-13-4) at Nassau Coliseum. 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 bounced back from back-to-back losses by defeating these very Islanders Monday by a 6-2 score. The win pushed him to 11-9-1 on the season with a .911 save percentage and 3.11 goals against average. Georgiev has stood on his head against division foes; he has a 4-1 record with .945 SV% and 2.01 GAA versus Metropolitan Division teams.

Varlamov, like the Islanders as a whole, has had a great regular season thus far, going 15-6-4 with a .919 SV% and 2.48 GAA. However, he was the starting netminder in the Islanders’ latest loss to the Rangers, giving up six goals on 35 shot attempts.

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

Rangers 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 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rangers 3, Islanders 1

Moneyline (ML)

Both teams have been mediocre recently—the Rangers are 5-5 and the Islanders 5-4-1 in each of their last 10 games. The Underdog is 11-5 in the last 16 Rangers-Islanders games. Also, Varlamov has worse splits against the Rangers compared to his norms—his 6-4-1 but his .900 SV% and 3.00 GAA are downgrades from his overall average.

Let’s BACK RANGERS +140 on the moneyline.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Rangers are much better against the spread than the Islanders: The Rangers are 30-15 ATS overall, including 14-8 on the road, and the Islanders are 21-24 ATS overall with a 10-13 ATS record at home. The Islanders really underperform ATS as favorites, they have an 8-20 record on the 1.5-puck line. However, the regular puck lines are a no-go, in my opinion. Who wants to lay -200 for a Rangers -1.5 puck line?

BET (with a smaller wager) RANGERS (-1.5, +360) on the alternate line.  We are making a bigger bet on the Rangers to win outright but because the +360 is so enticing, why not sprinkle a little cash on the Rangers getting an empty-net goal in the final minutes?

Over/Under (O/U)

This game features a contrast in styles—the Rangers rank third in total goals per game and the Islanders rank 28th—but Rangers-Islanders games tend to go Under when the Islanders are the host team. The Under is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings with the Islanders at home. The Rangers average the most penalty minutes per game in the NHL but don’t expect the Islanders’ 20th ranked power-play unit to take advantage of that.

TAKE UNDER 5.5 (+125) for our third plus-money wager in this Rangers-Islanders contest.

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

Follow @Geoffery_Clark 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=4 category=2059]

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

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

The Detroit Red Wings (12-31-3) and New York Islanders (27-13-4) battle at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Red Wings-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Red Wings at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jimmy Howard vs. Thomas Greiss

Howard is confirmed to start for the Wings, and that’s good news for the Islanders. The Red Wings veteran is just 2-15-1 with a 4.10 goals against average and .880 save percentage this season, and he has allowed five or more goals in three of his past four starts while failing to win in 11 outings dating back to Oct. 29.

Greiss is likely to make the start after Semyon Varlamov was trucked in Monday’s outing against the rival New York Rangers, coughing up six goals. Greiss came on and saved the only chance he saw. He enters 12-7-0 with a 2.57 GAA and .919 SV%.

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

Red Wings 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 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 5, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (-334) are heavy favorites, and my rule of thumb is to avoid favorites of more than -160 or -170 at the max. AVOID. Meanwhile, the Red Wings (+260) can’t be trusted, even though they do have two wins in the past three outings. The Wings have dropped five in a row on the road, outscored 20-10 during the span.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Islanders ML will only profit $2.99  if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, -110) are going to be angry after being embarrassed at MSG on Monday. Regardless of whether it’s Greiss or Varlamov in between the pipes, you can depend upon the Isles to get it done on home ice.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-106) is worth a small-unit wager. The Islanders shouldn’t be a problem for offense, especially against a goalie giving up four or more goals.

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]

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

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

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]

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

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

The New York Islanders (25-12-3) host the Colorado Avalanche (25-13-4) Monday at Nassau Coliseum for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Avalanche-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Avalanche at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Philipp Grubauer vs. Semyon Varlamov

Grubauer enters Monday with back-to-back wins improving his season record to 12-9-3. He has a .911 save percentage and 2.87 goals against average. He has been best on the road this season with a .919 SV% and 2.66 GAA against rates of .901 and 3.11 at home.

Varlamov faces his former team for the first time. He lost each of his last two starts to begin 2020, stopping 49 of 53 shots on goal. He’s 14-5-3 on the season with a .920 SV% and 2.40 GAA.

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

Avalanche 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 10:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Avalanche 6, Islanders 3

Moneyline (ML)

Both clubs are 4-5-1 straight up across their last 10 games, but the Avalanche (-129) have won back-to-back games while the Islanders (+105) lost their last two. They both had Sunday off after playing Thursday and Saturday. Colorado is a dominant 14-6-2 on the road while New York is equally impressive at home at 13-5-2.

Take the AVALANCHE (-129). Both teams have overachieved this season, but the Avs have been closer to expectations with a Corsi rating (percentage of total shot attempts) of 50.58% at 5-on-5. The Isles are second to last in the NHL with a rate of 46.19%.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Avalanche to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $7.75.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Avs are 26-16 against the spread overall and 16-6 on the road while the Isles are 18-22 ATS overall and 7-13 at home. Roll with the AVALANCHE (-1.5, +200) to win by at least 2 goals, as they’ve done in each of their last seven victories.

Over/Under (O/U)

The projected total is set at just 4.5 (Over -223, Under +180). Liking the higher number here, we’ll get better odds on the alternate Over/Under of OVER 6.5 (+185). Colorado is 7-3 against the projected totals over its last 10 games while New York is 4-6. We’ll need the two teams to combine for at least 7 goals.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 156-132

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren 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]

New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Islanders (25-11-3) and Toronto Maple Leafs (23-14-5) square off at Scotiabank Arena at 7 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Islanders-Maple Leafs sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Islanders at Maple Leafs: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Michael Hutchinson

Varlamov will be in the crease to face the Maple Leafs, putting his impressive 14-4-3 record, 2.41 goals against average and .921 save percentage on the line. He picked up a win against the Leafs Nov. 13, but he allowed four goals on 27 shots, so it wasn’t a dominating performance.

Hutchinson enters Saturday off of rare back-to-back victories and is now 2-5-1 for the season. He has a .883 SV% and 4.03 GAA, and he gave up four goals on 28 shots in his last start against the New Jersey Devils Dec. 27.

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

Islanders at Maple Leafs: 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 12:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Maple Leafs 4, Islanders 3

Moneyline (ML)

The MAPLE LEAFS (-175) are looking for revenge against the Islanders, and they’re going to get it at home. They have won eight of their last nine games overall, and they’re 5-1 in the past six against Eastern Conference foes. The Islanders (+145) have won just once in the past five trips to Hogtown.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line is tempting for the Leafs (-1.5, +155), but I expect this to be a one-goal game, perhaps decided in overtime or a shootout. However, the Islanders (+1.5, -189) are just too expensive on the other end. That’s too much chalk to eat.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-133) is a strong play, as you can expect some fire-wagon hockey in this one featuring two high-powered offenses. Plus, the Over is 10-2 in the previous 12 meetings in Toronto.

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]

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

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

The New York Islanders (22-8-2) take on the Boston Bruins (21-7-7) Thursday at TD Garden. Puck drop is set for shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Bruins sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Tuukka Rask

Varlamov is 11-3-2 with a .923 save percentage and 2.37 goals against average through 16 starts and three relief appearances. He had been credited with three consecutive victories before giving up three goals on just nine shots in one period of play in Tuesday’s 8-3 blowout loss to the Nashville Predators.

Rask is 13-4-4 with a .923 SV% and 2.32 GAA. He gave up four goals on 27 shots Tuesday as the Bruins fell 4-3 to the Los Angeles Kings in overtime.

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

Islanders at Bruins: 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 1:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Bruins 2

Moneyline (ML)

Both teams are coming off home losses Tuesday with the Islanders falling to the Preds and the Bruins being upset by the Kings. Boston has lost six of seven overall, while New York had won three in a row before losing Tuesday.

Take the value with the visiting ISLANDERS (+150). The Bruins are 12-1-6 at home and the Islanders are 9-5-1 on the road, but New York enters as the much better team of late and shouldn’t be spotted such high odds.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $15.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (+1.5, -189) should also be backed on the spread, albeit with a smaller payout. They’ll need to stay within 1 goal in a loss or win outright.

New York is 15-17 ATS overall, but 8-7 ATS on the road. Boston is 18-17 ATS overall and 9-10 at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The 8 goals surrendered by the Islanders Tuesday were the most they’ve given up all year. The Bruins have scored 4 or more goals just once in their last 11 games. Take the UNDER 5.5 (-134) between two typically strong defensive clubs trying to bounce back.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 131-105

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren 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]

New York Islanders at Tampa Bay Lightning odds, picks and best bets

Previewing the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay matchup on Monday night with odds, bets, and predictions.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (14-10-3) entertain the New York Islanders (19-7-2) at Amalie Arena on Monday, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Lightning odds and lines while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Islanders at Lightning: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Curtis McElhinney

Varlamov has a 9-3-2 record for New York with a 2.35 goals against average and .923 save percentage. He stopped 31 of 33 shots in a home, overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night. He was supposed to start on Saturday but was instead bumped to Monday.

McElhinney has a 3-2-2 record with a 3.42 GAA and .908 SV% in seven games played this season. The confirmed Tampa Bay starter last played Nov. 30, taking a home loss against Carolina when he gave up three goals on 24 shots.

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

Islanders at Lightning: 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 Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Lightning 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+150) and Lightning (-182) are both rested headed into this matchup. New York is 3-2 in its last five games, Tampa Bay 2-2-1. Expect this game to be close. New York allows just 2.62 goals on the road and is a solid 7-5-1 on the road. BACK NEW YORK slightly.

A $10 bet with New York results in a $15.00 profit with an outright win for the Islanders.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lightning are 11-16 ATS, while New York is 14-14 ATS. This is one to AVOID, as the Islanders’ number at +1.5 (-176) does not have the value of the moneyline. Taking this wager on a $10 bet would result in just a $5.68 profit.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 6.5 (-154) is a reasonably good play. Even though McElhinney is in net for Tampa Bay, the Islanders have struggled to score goals of late. They have also been quite stingy at allowing them, as well. Over its last five games, New York has scored 12 goals and yielded 10. The under has also connected in the Islanders’ last two contests. 

Placing a $10 bet here will give a bettor a $6.49 profit with a total of six or fewer goals scored.

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

Follow @ChrisWasselDFS 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]