New York Islanders betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Islanders (0-1-1) and Colorado Avalanche (0-2) are lined up for a Monday tilt in Denver. The opening faceoff at Ball Arena will be at 9 p.m. (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Islanders vs. Avalanche odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Colorado won last season’s series 2-0-0 with an overtime win included

New York opened a 3-game road trip Saturday with a 3-0 loss at the Dallas Stars. Monday’s game will mark the Islanders’ 3rd game in 5 days.

Colorado is coming off a 6-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday. Avalanche netminders have logged a shaky .714 SV% as part of the club coughing up 14 goals through 2 games.

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Islanders at Avalanche odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Islanders +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Avalanche -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-165) | Avalanche -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Islanders at Avalanche projected goalies

Ilya Sorokin (25-19-12, 3.01 GAA, .908 SV%, 2 SO in 2023-24) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (0-1-0, 7.75 GAA, .680 SV%)

Sorokin was limited during training camp following offseason back surgery, and Monday at Colorado would mark the 29-year-old’s 1st action of the season.

Georgiev has been pulled in each of his 2 starts so far this season. The most recent of those outings was Saturday when he was pulled after yielding 3 goals in 22 minutes.

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Islanders at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Islanders 3

Moneyline

PASS: No interest here.

Puck line/Against the spread

Sorokin has been a fast starter over his career, clocking a .925 SV% across 19 October games. The Isles’ game analytics weren’t nearly as bad as what showed on the scoreboard in Saturday’s setback at Dallas.

The Avs have obviously been loose on defense in the early going. Expect a competitive battle in this Monday nighter.

The last 2 New York games in Denver went past 60 minutes. Tab the ISLANDERS +1.5 (-165) with just a slight lean.

Over/Under

The last 6 games of this series have seen the Over go 5-1.

Colorado’s 2 games have produced a combined 6 special-teams goals (3 power-play goals scored and allowed), and the Avs have been weak between the pipes.

The coming-back-from-injury Sorokin is enough of a question mark at the other end. Both clubs’ early games have made for a lot of 5-on-5 looks from high-danger scoring areas at both ends of the ice.

The OVER 6.5 (-105) is the strongest play in this matchup.

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Utah Hockey Club at New York Islanders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Utah Hockey Club at New York Islanders odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Utah Hockey Club (1-0-0) meets the New York Islanders (0-0-0) at UBS Arena Thursday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Utah Hockey Club vs. Islanders odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting

Utah got off to a great start in front of a raucous crowd at the Delta Center Tuesday in the 1st-ever game in franchise history. The Utah Hockey Club picked up a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, as RW Dylan Guenther scored a pair of goals and C Nick Schmaltz chipped in with 2 helpers. G Connor Ingram was good for 24 saves on 26 shots to get the win.

The Islanders play their 1st game of the season. They weren’t terribly active in the offseason market, adding F Anthony Duclair while losing D Sebastian Aho (not the Carolina forward, the defenseman) to the Pittsburgh Penguins. New York also added F Maxim Tsyplakov, formerly of the KHL, and he is expected to pair with Bo Horvat to give the Isles a formidable top line.

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Utah Hockey Club at Islanders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at Wednesday at 8:16 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Utah Hockey Club +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Islanders -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Utah Hockey Club +1.5 (-185) | Islanders -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Utah Hockey Club at Islanders projected goalies

Karel Vejmelka (13-19-2, 3.35 GAA, .897 SV%, 1 SO in 2023-24) vs. Semyon Varlamov (14-8-4, 2.60 GAA, .918 SV%, 3 SO in 2023-24) vs.

After Ingram started the opener in Salt Lake City, Vejmelka is likely to get a shot against the Islanders. He was just 5-10-2 on the road in 16 starts last season, but his GAA (3.22) and SV% (.901) were better on the road than at home. He allowed just a single goal on 34 shots in a hard-luck loss against the Islanders Oct. 17 in New York last season.

Varlamov had a winning record at home last season going 6-3-2 with a 2.75 GAA and .908 SV% with 1 SO. He has been a hot starter in the past, including last season when he had a 1.51 GAA and .961 SV% in 2 October starts.

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Utah Hockey Club at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Islanders 3, Utah Hockey Club 2

Moneyline

The ISLANDERS (-155) are worth a look as moderate favorites in the season opener at home.

The Utah Hockey Club (+130) was impressive in the home opener, but that was also a young team feeding off of all of the exuberance of the fans in the 1st-ever NHL game in Salt Lake City. Now, can the young hockey club bring that same kind of intensity in a hostile environment?

Puck line/Against the spread

If you want a little insurance and don’t trust the Utah Hockey Club +1.5 (-185) straight up, it will cost you. You can’t risk nearly 2 times your potential return on the road team, even though this game should be a rather close one. It’s just too much risk for not enough reward.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-115) is a strong play in this road battle for Utah.

Last season, when this franchise was located in Arizona, it played a low-scoring, defensive battle on the Island, falling 1-0 with Vejmelka in the cage. The Utah offense looked pretty solid Tuesday, but again, that was at home with a ton of excitement. This is a young team facing a very good veteran goaltender. Goals should be more at a premium Thursday.

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New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes battle in Game 5 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Hurricanes lead the series 3-1. Puck drop from PNC Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Islanders vs. Hurricanes odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Islanders snapped a 3-game losing streak with a 3-2 double-OT win over the Hurricanes Saturday to cash as +159 home favorites. C Mathew Barzal led the way with 2 goals, including the game-winner, while C Bo Horvat had 2 assists.

C Seth Jarvis and RW Stefan Noesen each found the back of the net for the Hurricanes, who failed to cash as -178 favorites, with Noesen tying it on a power-play goal with 5:52 remaining.

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Islanders at Hurricanes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:34 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Islanders +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Hurricanes -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-135) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+115)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Islanders at Hurricanes projected goalies

Semyon Varlamov (14-8-4, 2.60 GAA, .918 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Frederik Andersen (13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO)

Varlamov has the 12th-best GAA and 3rd-best SV%. While he has not been the top goaltender on the Islanders, he has started in 3 of the games in this series and played in all 4. He has allowed 2 or fewer goals in 3 of his appearances with his 2.08 GAA and .930 SV% being slightly better than his regular-season averages.

Andersen has seen the least action of any of the 4 Carolina goalies this season, but he has started in each of the 4 games so far in this series. He has allowed 2 or more goals in 3 of the 4 games, while his 2.08 GAA and .920 SV% are slightly lower than his season averages.

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Islanders at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 4, Islanders 2

Moneyline

PASS.

The value is better on the Hurricanes’ (-250) puck line.

Puck line/Against the spread

BET HURRICANES -1.5 (+115).

Expect Carolina to close out the series on its home ice Tuesday. The Hurricanes are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and 4-0 in their last 4 at home. New York has scored 3 or fewer goals in each game this series and will not be able to contain the Hurricanes.

Over/Under

BET OVER 5.5 (+100).

While these teams have combined for more than 5 goals just once in this series, the implications of this Game 5 will cause more action on both sides.

The Hurricanes will be looking to put away N.Y. by force and will have a great opportunity to add to their total if they are able to bring a lead into the final minutes of the game. With a high chance of an empty-net goal, the Over will be all but certain.

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Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Carolina Hurricanes take on the New York Islanders in Game 4 of their best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Saturday. Carolina holds a commanding 3-0 series lead. Puck drop from UBS Arena is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Islanders odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

With a win Saturday afternoon, Carolina would become the 1st team this NHL postseason to advance to the 2nd round. Only 4 teams in NHL history have come back from down 3-0 in a playoff series, and it has not happened in 10 years (the LA Kings did it against the San Jose Sharks in the 1st round in 2014). The last time the Islanders accomplished the feat was against the Pittsburgh Penguins back in 1975 in the quarterfinals.

Carolina earned the 3-2 victory in Game 3 at UBS Arena as 39-year-old D Brent Burns, who was on that 2014 Sharks team that collapsed, scored the game’s opening goal. C Sebastian Aho, the team leader in goals during the regular season (36), recorded his 2nd goal of the series in the 3rd period.

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Hurricanes at Islanders odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:36 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -182 (bet $182 to win $100) | Islanders +150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+150) | Islanders +1.5 (-182)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -122)

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Hurricanes at Islanders projected goalies

Frederik Anderson (13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO in regular season) vs. Semyon Varlamov (14-8-4, 2.60 GAA, .918 SV%, 3 SO in regular season)

Anderson has started and won all 3 games this series. The Isles jumped out to a 3-0 lead in Game 2 on just 12 shots overall, but Carolina surged ahead in the 2nd and 3rd periods with 5 unanswered goals. The 34-year-old missed 50 games due to a blood-clotting issue during the regular season, and he surpassed Braden Holtby April 7 for most wins (294) by a goalie in 1st 500 games played.

Varlamov, who turns 36 Saturday, will get the start once again. Coach Patrick Roy turned to Ilya Sorokin briefly in Game 3, but he was pulled for Varlamov in the 2nd period after surrendering 3 goals on 14 shots. Varlamov, who was the goaltender and a Vezina finalist for Roy while they were together in Colorado in 2014, finished the contest, while Sorokin sadly stood in the tunnel and watched.

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Hurricanes at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline

PASS.

This is too much juice to lay on Carolina (-182) alone, especially since it’s Varlamov’s birthday and this veteran Islanders group is fighting for the chance to play together 1 more time.

Puck line/Against the spread

BACK ISLANDERS +1.5 (-182) IN A PARLAY.

It’s also too juicy to back the Islanders by themselves on the puck line. However, if you believe the TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING +1.5 (-250 vs. Florida Panthers, 5 p.m. ET) will keep it within a goal as I do, pairing these 2 teams down 3-0 on the PL will pay out +116.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 5.5 (-122).

No team had a lower expected goals against during the regular season than Carolina (2.19), and it also saw the fewest shots on goal against (1668). The Islanders blocked the most shots during the regular season (1380), and with their season on the line, expect guys like D Noah Dobson and D Alexander Romanov to sacrifice their bodies in front of Varlamov.

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Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Thursday in New York. The Hurricanes lead the series 2-0. Puck drop from UBS Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hurricanes vs. Islanders odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Islanders looked great for half of Game 2 on Monday, and it was in good shape all the way until halfway into the 3rd period, up 3-1. That’s when the floodgates opened, and New York had a brutal collapse that might be difficult to forget.

Kyle Palmieri and Bo Horvat scored a pair of even-strength goals in the 1st period, and the latter was a killer at 19:45, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead. PNC Arena was uncharacteristically quiet, sans for the smattering for New Yorkers holding tickets. Anders Lee scored a power-play goal at 3:54 of the 2nd period, and the Canes looked to be in trouble.

Teuvo Teravainen struck for a power-play goal 10 minutes later in the 2nd period on a selfless pass from Jake Guentzel in front of Semyon Varlamov‘s cage, and Carolina suddenly had life.

It remained 3-1 until 10:43 of the 3rd period when Seth Jarvis scored. He posted an assist on Sebastian Aho‘s goal at 17:45, as the Canes tied it, and then just 9 seconds later, it was a “Marty Party”, as Jordan Martinook scored at 17:54 to give Carolina a 4-3 lead. Guentzel added an empty-net goal, and what looked like a sure win for the Islanders, turned to dust, and an 0-2 series hole.

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Hurricanes at Islanders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:03 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hurricanes -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Islanders +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Hurricanes -1.5 (+155) | Islanders +1.5 (-190)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Hurricanes at Islanders projected goalies

Frederik Andersen (13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO in regular season) vs. Ilya Sorokin (25-19-12, 3.01 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO in regular season)

Andersen has allowed just 4 goals on 46 shots in this series, good for a 2-0-0 record, 2.02 GAA and .913 SV% in the 2 games. It’s been a tale of 2 games, too, as he kicked aside 33 of 34 shots in Game 1, while allowing 3 goals on just 12 shots for the entirety of Game 2. The Islanders have to take some positives from the fact they scored on 25% of their shots last time out.

Sorokin is confirmed to make his 1st start of the series, as coach Patrick Roy, who knows a thing or two about postseason goaltending, shifts from Semyon Varlamov. The 35-year-old Varlamov is 0-2-0 with a 3.03 GAA and .905 SV% in 2 games in this series.

Sorokin allowed 3 goals on 33 shots in a 4-1 home loss to the Hurricanes on March 19, but he made 36 saves in a 5-4 win in Raleigh on Dec. 23, and he made 42 saves in a wild 4-3 OTL against the Hurricanes on Nov. 4 at UBS Arena.

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Hurricanes at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Islanders 3, Hurricanes 2

Moneyline

The ISLANDERS (+135) are back in front of the home fans for Game 3, and that could be enough to turn the tide in their favor.

New York looked good for most of Game 2, holding a 3-1 leading into the midway portion of the 3rd period before folding like a tent. If it can maintain focus, and Sorokin and the home crowd can give them a bump, New York can still make this a series.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Islanders +1.5 (-190) are too expensive on the puck line, costing you nearly 2 times your potential return. If you need a little insurance, and just can’t pick New York straight up, it isn’t worth it.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-115) is worth a play in Game 3.

We had a lower-scoring Game 1, with just 4 goals on the board. Game 2 was shaping up as an Under result, too, before the floodgates opened and we had 4 goals from Carolina in the 3rd period to flip things to the Over.

The total has gone low in 2 of the past 3 skates at UBS Arena between these teams, including the only regular-season meeting on March 19 on Long Island. The most recent playoff meeting at UBS Arena, Game 6 of the 1st round last season, also cashed Under.

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New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Monday. The Hurricanes lead the series 1-0. Puck drop from PNC Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Islanders vs. Hurricanes odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Hurricanes whipped the PNC Arena crowd into a frenzy in Game 1, as Evgeny Kuznetsov scored a power-play goal just 95 seconds into the contest. Kyle MacLean evened things up at 8:20 of the 1st period, however, and that’s how things stayed until the 3rd period. Stefan Noesen scored an even-strength goal at 3:44 of the final period, while Martin Necas hit an empty-net goal to put a bow on the scoring.

The road team won all 4 regular-season meetings, including 2 games decided in overtime. However, Carolina had other ideas in the series opener. The Hurricanes have won 12 of the past 16 playoff games at home.

Carolina has cashed the Under at an 8-0-1 pace in the past 9 home games, while New York has hit the Under at a 5-1-1 clip in the past 7 outings on the road.

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Islanders at Hurricanes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Islanders +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Hurricanes -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-130) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+110)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Islanders at Hurricanes projected goalies

Semyon Varlamov (14-8-4, 2.60 GAA, .918 SV%, 3 SO in regular season) vs. Frederik Andersen (13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO in regular season)

Varlamov made the surprise start in Game 1, although it really isn’t that stunning considering the fact he finished the regular season on a high note with 5 consecutive victories and just 8 goals allowed in April. However, Varlamov did allow 2 goals on 25 shots.

Andersen kicked aside 33 of the 34 shots he faced in a 3-1 win against the Islanders, carrying over his late-season momentum. Since returning from a blood-clotting issue March 7, Andersen has allowed just 14 goals in 10 regular-season starts and the Game 1 victory.

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Islanders at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline

The Hurricanes (-250) will set you back 2½ times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough return.

While the Islanders (+200) didn’t necessarily play poorly in Game 1, they struggled offensively and cannot be trusted until they return to home ice.

PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

The ISLANDERS +1.5 (-130) are worth a look on the puck line, as we should get another lower-scoring defensive battle in Game 2 in Raleigh.

New York is going to have a hard time beating Andersen, who has been red hot for a lengthy period of time. However, it should be able to keep it close, and we could get our 1st overtime of this series.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-120) is a strong play in Game 2. We had a total of just 4 goals in the series opener, and one of those goals was of the empty-net variety.

The Canes have hit at an 8-0-1 clip in the past 9 home outings, including the series opener, while the Isles had cashed at a 5-1-1 pace in the past 7 road contests.

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New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes meet in Game 1 of a best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series Saturday. Puck drop from Scotiabank Arena is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Islanders vs. Hurricanes odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Tied 2-2

These teams met 4 times in the regular season, with the road team winning all 4 games, including 3 one-goal games, and 2 decided in overtime. The Over cashed at a 3-1 clip. Carolina won 4-1 in the most recent game on The Island on March 19, hitting the Under (6) for the only time against New York this season.

These teams met in the 1st round last season, too, with Carolina coming away victorious in 6 games. Carolina won Game 1 by a 2-1 score as the Under (5.5) cashed, as then-goalie Antti Raanta outdueled Ilya Sorokin. In that series, 4 of the 6 games were decided by a single goal too, with 2 of the games being decided in overtime.

The Islanders streak into the postseason, as they went 8-0-1 in the final 9 games of the regular season, while cashing the Under in 3 of the past 4 outings.

The Hurricanes lost 6-3 in Columbus in a meaningless game on Tuesday, halting a 5-game win streak. The Canes ended up with 111 points, which was 2nd-best in the Metropolitan Division to the New York Rangers (114 points), and 3rd-best in the NHL.

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Islanders at Hurricanes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:22 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Islanders +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Hurricanes -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-145) | Hurricanes -1.5 (+120)
Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Islanders at Hurricanes projected goalies

Ilya Sorokin (25-19-12, 3.01 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Frederik Andersen (13-2-0, 1.84 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO)

Sorokin didn’t have a great season overall, but he finished up strong in April. He has posted a 3-0-1 mark in the past 4 outings, allowing 2 or fewer goals in 3 of those starts. He has also turned aside 81 of the 87 shots he has faced in just the past 2 outings.

Sorokin was on the short end of a 4-1 loss against the Hurricanes at UBS Arena on March 19, allowing 3 goals on 33 shots in the loss. He won at Carolina on Dec. 23, giving up 4 goals on 40 shots in a wild 5-4 victory, and he allowed 4 goals on 46 shots in a 4-3 OTL on Nov. 4 on home ice.

When healthy, Andersen has been rock-solid this season for the Hurricanes. You just never know when the shoe is going to drop, and he’ll be sidelined.

Andersen has allowed just 13 goals in 10 starts since returning from a 4-month injury, absolutely playing out of his mind, posting 3 shutouts in the past 8 starts. He didn’t face the Islanders this season.

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Islanders at Hurricanes picks and predictions

Prediction

Hurricanes 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline

The Hurricanes (-225) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward, especially in a Game 1. In addition, the fact the road team won all 4 matchups this season should serve as a bit of a cautionary tale. Be careful in this series, as it could be wild.

PASS, and look to the puck line instead.

Puck line/Against the spread

The ISLANDERS +1.5 (-145) aren’t priced out of line in this series opener. Remember, New York won both regular-season meetings in Raleigh. While they’re facing a red-hot Andersen for the first time, New York has been pretty red-hot itself across the past 10 outings, grabbing 19 out of a possible 20 points to get into this position. This should be a close game throughout.

Over/Under

UNDER 5.5 (-120) should be the rule, not only in Game 1, but for the entire series.

Again, The Great Dane, Andersen, has allowed just 13 goals in the past 10 starts since returning from injury on March 7. That’s simply amazing, and it’s no surprise the Under is 5-1 in his past 6 starts.

While Sorokin was shaky for stretches of the season, he buttoned things up considerably in April, just in time for the playoffs. The Isles enter the postseason on a 8-3-1 run to the Under in the past 12 games, and the total has gone low at a 3-1-1 clip in the past 5 starts by Sorokin.

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Montreal Canadiens at New York Islanders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Montreal Canadiens at New York Islanders odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Montreal Canadiens (30-36-12) and New York Islanders (36-27-15) meet in a Thursday night affair on Long Island. The opening faceoff at UBS Arena is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Canadiens vs. Islanders odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Montreal, which leads this season series 2-0, has already been eliminated from playoff contention, but the Canadiens are coming off a season-high in goals and are 2-1-0 across their last 3 road tilts. On Tuesday, the Habs decimated the Philadelphia Flyers 9-3.

The Islanders head into Thursday’s game as the Metropolitan No. 3; they are looking to stay ahead of the Washington Capitals who are 2 points back in the Metro standings. New York downed the crosstown Rangers 4-2 Tuesday and have won 5 consecutive games.

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Canadiens at Islanders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:17 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Canadiens +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Islanders -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canadiens +1.5 (-140) | Islanders -1.5 (+115)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Canadiens at Islanders projected goalies

Sam Montembeault (16-15-7, 3.10 GAA, .904 SV%) vs. Ilya Sorokin (24-19-11, 3.02 GAA, .908 SV%)

Montembeault started Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia and earned the win, stopping 33 of 36 shots on goal. The 27-year-old has held foes to 3 goals or less in 4 of his last 5 starts.

Sorokin last played a week ago, stopping 25-of-27 shots in an April 4 road start at the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Russian netminder owns a solid .917 SV% at home.

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Canadiens at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Islanders 5, Canadiens 2

Moneyline

The Isles have a solid probability of running their late-season win streak to 6, but better betting value can be found on the puck line. AVOID.

Puck line/Against the spread

New York’s last 3 wins have been by multiple scores.

Since Feb. 1, Sorokin has made 4 starts on 4-plus days’ rest. His save percentage in those starts is an aggregate .918.

Consider a partial-unit play on the ISLANDERS -1.5 (+115).

Over/Under

This series has seen the Over cash in 4 straight meetings. The Over has gone 4-1 in Montreal’s last 5 games.

And its the Canadiens’ 5-on-5 defense where this analysis begins. And justly so. The Habs have a 2.85 expected goals-against over the last 25 games (Natural Stat Trick, 5-on-5). Only 2 clubs have filed higher numbers over that span.

The Isles have a relatively low conversion rate on 5-on-5 high-danger looks over that same last-25 span. Look for a solid performance in a key game for them.

BACK THE OVER 6 (-110).

FanDuel Sportsbook

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New York Rangers at New York Islanders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s New York Rangers at New York Islanders odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New York Rangers (53-21-4) visit the New York Islanders (35-27-15) Tuesday at UBS Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Islanders odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Rangers lead 2-0

The Rangers have picked up wins in 3 straight outings, with 2 of the wins by a single goal. The Blueshirts are on a 8-1-0 run, too, with 5 of the wins by 1 goal. The Over has cashed in 5 straight outings, averaging 4.6 goals per game (GPG), while allowing 3.6 GPG.

The Islanders picked up a 2-0 win against the Nashville Predators on home ice in Saturday’s tilt, and they have posted 4 straight wins to get into position for the top Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with 85 points, a point clear of the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins, and 2 points ahead of the Washington Capitals.

These teams met on St. Patrick’s Day at Madison Square Garden, with the Rangers posting a 5-2 win as moderate favorites (-145) and the Over (5.5) cashing. The Blueshirts also won outdoors in the Stadium Series game on Feb. 18 in the 1st meeting, taking a 6-5 win in overtime as the Over (6) also cashed easily. In fact, the total has gone high in 4 straight meetings, with an average of 8.3 combined GPG.

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Rangers at Islanders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:34 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rangers -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Islanders +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+185) | Islanders +1.5 (-225)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Rangers at Islanders projected goalies

Igor Shesterkin (34-16-2, 2.64 GAA, .911 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Semyon Varlamov (11-8-4, 2.72 GAA, .916 SV%, 3 SO)

Shesterkin is starting to round into postseason form, winning 5 of his past 6 games, while conceding 3 or fewer goals in 4 straight outings, and 7 of his previous 8 starts. He was between the pipes March 17 at MSG, allowing just 2 goals on 27 shots in the 5-2 win. Shesterkin also allowed 5 goals on 41 shots in the 6-5 OTW outdoors at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 18 in the Stadium Series game.

Varlamov is confirmed to start for the Isles. He has won 4 of his past 5 starts, and after going 3-1-1 with a 2.58 GAA and .916 SV% in 5 March starts, he is an even better 2-0-0 with a 1.49 GAA and .960 SV% in 2 April outings. He hasn’t faced the Rangers yet this season, however.

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Rangers at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Rangers 4, Islanders 3

Moneyline

The RANGERS (-130) are a decent play, although the Islanders (+110) are not going to be a pushover as they have been much more competitive lately.

The Isles are vying for a playoff spot, and come in with 4 straight wins. However, they haven’t been able to get over the hump lately when facing the Blueshirts, as the Rangers have won 3 straight in the series, scoring at least 5 goals in each of those victories.

Puck line/Against the spread

The Islanders +1.5 (-225) are way too expensive on the puck line as the underdog, if you need a little insurance, and can’t play them straight up.

The Rangers -1.5 (+185) have won 3 in a row in the series, and they’ve been on a heater lately, but they have won 5 of the past 8 games since March 21 by just 1 goal, so they can’t be trusted to lay the goals, especially on the road.

PASS.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-115) is a strong play in this Battle of the Big Apple.

The total has ended up going high in 5 straight games for the Rangers, while going 12 of the past 13 outings since March 14. That includes the most recent victory against the Islanders on March 17 at MSG.

For the Islanders, the Under is on a 5-1-1 roll in the past 7 games, which is why the books have bumped this total down. But the Isles have scored a healthy 3.0 GPG in the past 4 outings, and we should get some fire-wagon hockey in this battle on Long Island.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Nashville Predators at New York Islanders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Nashville Predators at New York Islanders odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Nashville Predators (44-28-4) take on the New York Islanders (34-27-15) Saturday at UBS Arena. Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Predators vs. Islanders odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Preds snapped a 3-game winning streak with a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues Thursday night. STL fired a season-high 47 shots, and G Juuse Saros was amazing, stopping 44 of them. C Filip Forsberg continued his career year with his 42nd and 43rd goals of the season. The Preds sit 1 point ahead of the Los Angeles Kings in the top Wild Card spot.

The Isles won their 3rd straight with a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday. C Bo Horvat netted his 32nd goal of the season in the W. The Isles sit in 3rd in the division with the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins all on their heels within 2 points.

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Predators at Islanders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Predators -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Islanders -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Predators -1.5 (+200) | Islanders +1.5 (-275)
Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Predators at Islanders projected goalies

Juuse Saros (33-23-4, 2.82 GAA, .908 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Semyon Varlamov (10-8-4, 2.84 GAA, .911%, 2 SO)

As mentioned, Saros was great Thursday with 44 saves on 47 shots. He stopped 29 of 31 in a 3-0 loss to the Boston Bruins Tuesday night and has been great of late. He stopped 24 of 25 shots fired his way in a Jan. 13 victory over the Isles.

Varlamov is the epitome of the bend-but-don’t-break goalie. He has allowed 3+ goals in 4 of 5 starts, but 3 of those were victories. He allowed 3 goals on 34 shots in a 4-3 OT win against the Flyers Monday.

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Predators at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Predators 5, Islanders 3

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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