New York Islanders betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

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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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

Moneyline

I’m a little surprised to see a pick ’em here, considering Nashville has won 10 straight meetings and 5 in this building. NYI is also running with their backup goalie.

Take the PREDATORS -110.

Puck line/Against the spread

Half of those 10 wins were by just 1 goal. So while the +200 is enticing, it’s a little too risky to go with.

D Roman Josi has been pinching up on offense a lot lately. His SOG totals from the last 7: 5, 3, 4, 1, 7, 5. Take ROMAN JOSI OVER 3.5 SHOTS (-120).

Over/Under

Both of these teams need this game, and I look for a fast-paced game. The Over is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings. Nashville is 6-4 O/U, and the Isles are 4-5-1 O/U over the last 10.

I’d prefer to wait to see if this dropped to 5.5, but I’ll LEAN OVER 6 (+100).

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New York Islanders at Florida Panthers odds, picks and predictions

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

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The New York Islanders (30-26-15) begin a 3-game road trip on Thursday against the Florida Panthers (46-21-5) at Amerant Bank Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Islanders vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Tied 1-1; road team has won both previous matchups, with Islanders (+145) winning 4-3 in Sunrise on Dec. 2 in the 1st meeting

The Islanders are coming off a 4-0 loss on home ice against the New Jersey Devils, and New York is now just 1-6-1 across the past 8 games, with 3 shutout losses in that span. The Over-Under has split 4-4 in the 8-game stretch. New York has dropped 4 in a row on the road since a 6-1 win in Anaheim on March 10.

The Panthers were nipped 4-3 in a marquee matchup Tuesday night in Sunrise against the Boston Bruins. Florida is also in a little bit of a swoon, going 1-4-1 across the past 6 outings, with defense and goaltending the issue. Florida has coughed up 3 or more goals in 6 of the past 7 outings, yielding 3.4 goals per game (GPG) during the span.

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Islanders at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Islanders +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Panthers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-155) | Panthers -1.5 (+125)
Over/Under: 6 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Islanders at Panthers projected goalies

Semyon Varlamov (8-7-4, 2.86 GAA, .910 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Anthony Stolarz (14-5-2, 1.97 GAA, .927 SV%, 1 SO)

Varmalov is confirmed to go for the Islanders. He allowed just 3 goals on 35 shots in a 6-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets in his most recent start Saturday, and he is 2-0-1 with a 2.63 GAA and .909 SV% in 3 March outings. He allowed 3 goals on 37 shots in a 3-2 OT loss to the Panthers Jan. 27, too.

Stolarz is confirmed to be between the pipes for the Cats. The journeyman backup has been having a career year in Florida. The 30-year-old has allowed just 2 goals on 68 shots in the past 2 outings, and he has won each of his past 6 starts since Feb. 15. Stolarz allowed 2 goals on 23 shots in that 3-2 OTW on The Island Jan. 27, and he allowed 4 goals on 27 shots at home Dec. 2 agaisnt the Islanders in a loss.

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Islanders at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Panthers 4, Islanders 1

Moneyline

The Panthers (-190) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s just a little too expensive for a standalone bet. It’s OK to include Florida as part of a multi-team parlay, but it’s still a little on the pricey side, and there is risk since the road team has won both meetings this season.

AVOID.

Puck line/Against the spread

The PANTHERS -1.5 (+125) are worth backing, as Stolarz has been red-hot between the pipes lately, allowing just 2 total goals in his past 2 starts.

The Islanders +1.5 (-155) have had a power outage lately, and just cannot be trusted, even against a Florida team which has been struggling to keep the puck out of its own net lately.

Over/Under

UNDER 6 (-105) is worth playing lightly.

The Panthers have allowed 3 or more goals in 6 of the past 7 outings, so that is a concern for Under bettors. But the Islanders have really had tremendous difficulty generating any offense lately, getting blanked in 3 of the past 8 games, while averaging just 1.8 goals per game (GPG) during the span. That average would be way worse if not for a 6-goal outburst against Winnipeg on Saturday, too. Lean low.

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New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New Jersey Devils (34-33-4) take on the New York Islanders (30-25-15) Sunday evening as both teams attempt to hang onto their slim playoff hopes. Puck drop at UBS Arena is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Devils vs. Islanders odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

New Jersey was defeated 5-2 in Newark by the Ottawa Senators Saturday night, dropping its playoff chances to 4.6% heading into Sunday’s slate. The Devils have defeated the Islanders twice this season already, with both games resulting in a 5-4 finish.

The Islanders improved their playoff chances to 13.1% after taking down the Winnipeg Jets at home Saturday night 6-3, which snapped a 6-game losing streak. C Matt Barzal, the team leader in points (73), recorded a goal and 2 assists in the win.

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Devils 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 noon ET.

Moneyline (ML): Devils +108 (bet $100 to win $108) | Islanders -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Devils +1.5 (-225) | Islanders -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Devils at Islanders projected goalies

Kaapo Kahkonen (6-22-3, 3.81 GAA, .894 SV%) vs. Ilya Sorokin (22-18-11, 3.07 GAA, .907 SV%, 2 SO)

Kahkonen is winless in 2 starts with the Devils since being acquired from the Sharks prior to the trade deadline, although C Curtis Lazar believes New Jersey let its goalie “hang out to dry” in the 4-1 loss to Arizona March 16. In his career vs. the Islanders, the 27-year-old is 3-1 in 4 starts, and back in December he earned a 5-4 win in OT as a member of San Jose.

Sorokin has lost 5 straight starts, with his last victory coming March 7 vs. Kahkonen’s former team, the Sharks. Prior to his last outing, a 6-3 defeat vs. Detroit this past Thursday, coach Patrick Roy expressed his trust in the 28-year-old despite the rough skid. Sorokin enters Sunday with the most minutes logged among goalies in the Eastern Conference (3025), along with the most goals allowed (155) and most saves made (1505) in the entire league.

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Devils at Islanders picks and predictions

Prediction

Islanders 4, Devils 3

Moneyline

BET ISLANDERS ML (-130).

That was a gut-wrenching loss for a Devils team against the lowly Senators Saturday night as they fell further out of postseason contention. Meanwhile, New York has some momentum after taking down a Jets team that is headed to the playoffs. Personally, I doubt the Devils will be able to regroup so quickly with their backup goaltender against an Islanders team that should stay fired up thanks to a 2-goal game from veteran RW Cal Clutterbuck.

Puck line/Against the spread

PASS.

Too much juice to take Devils on the puck line, plus New Jersey has allowed the most empty-net goals so far this season (23). If this game does not end up needing overtime to decide a winner, there is a good chance the desperate Devils could pull Kahkonen early, which would allow the Isles to get some chances at the empty net.

Over/Under

BET OVER 6.5 (-108).

Entering Sunday, no team has more rebound shots than New Jersey (229), while the Islanders have the 4th-most (206). Conversely, the Devils allow the 5th-most rebound goals (23), so there should be plenty of opportunities for a guy like C Brock Nelson to break his 7-game goalless streak.

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New York Islanders at Detroit Red Wings odds, picks and predictions

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

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The New York Islanders (29-24-15) and Detroit Red Wings (35-28-6) will square off Thursday at Little Caesars Arena. The opening faceoff will be at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Islanders vs. Red Wings odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Islanders are looking to snap a 5-game losing skid (0-4-1). New York last played Tuesday at home, dropping a 4-1 contest against the Carolina Hurricanes. Four of the Isles’ 5 losses in the streak have been by multiple goals.

The Red Wings are on home ice for a 2nd straight game. They downed the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime Tuesday. How much the home venue matters is a matter of debate. Detroit is just 2-3-0 over its last 5 at home, and that stretch opened with a 5-3 setback against these Islanders Feb. 29.

New York and Detroit have split 2 games this season, with each club winning on road ice.

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Islanders at Red Wings odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:45 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Islanders -105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Red Wings -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Islanders +1.5 (-250) | Red Wings -1.5 (+195)
Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Islanders at Red Wings projected goalies

Ilya Sorokin (22-17-11, 3.03 GAA, .909 SV%, 2 SO) vs. James Reimer (8-7-2, 2.98 GAA, .907 SV%, 2 SO)

Sorokin allowed 3 goals on 33 shots in Tuesday’s loss to Carolina. He started both earlier games against the Wings and allowed 7 goals (all even-strength). The 28-year-old netminder logged an .885 SV% across those 2 starts.

Reimer was the winner Tuesday against the Jackets. He stopped 32 of 35 shots and owns a .934 SV% in his last 2 starts after faltering in a few early-March games.

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Islanders at Red Wings picks and predictions

Prediction

Red Wings 4, Islanders 3

Moneyline

New York is just 14-15-5 on the road (0-3-0 in last 3). This is a 1-game road voyage for the Islanders, who are 1-3-0 in their last 4 such efforts. Two of those 3 road setbacks came against a subpar Montreal Canadiens club.

The last 4 series meetings at Little Caesars have seen Detroit go 3-1-0. The Red Wings have been underplaying recent expected-goal outputs and are a short-term candidate for some regression. In 5-on-5 play, they have been hurt by recent percentage lag, both in shooting and in save percentage.

Detroit has a top-10 power play (23.2%), and the Isles head into this contest with the NHL’s worst penalty-kill percentage (71.4%).

BACK THE RED WINGS (-115).

Puck line/Against the spread

Avoid the copious amount of juice here: PASS.

Over/Under

The Over cashed in both previous meetings this season. With the Isles having allowed 17 goals over their last 4 games, and their suspect rate of actual goals allowed to expected goals, the OVER 6.5 (+100) is the lean here.

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