New York Islanders betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 14

Boston Bruins at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Boston Bruins at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Boston Bruins (10-1-2) come off a two-game sweep of the New York Rangers and relocate to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Saturday to play the New York Islanders (5-4-3). Puck drop will be at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Bruins-Islanders NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Bruins dropped the Rangers 3-2 in overtime Wednesday and then by a 1-0 score Friday in the first half of this back-to-back. The Islanders suffered a 4-3 shootout loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday and were off Friday.

Bruins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bruins -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Islanders +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread/ATS: Bruins -1.5 (+220) | Islanders +1.5 (-275)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Bruins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask (6-1-1, .906 SV%, 2.31 GAA) vs. Semyon Varlamov (5-2-2, .929 SV%, 1.98 GAA)

Rask is coming off his best outing of the season with 33 saves on 35 shots in Wednesday’s win over the Rangers. He has backstopped the Bruins to three straight wins and has gotten them at least one point in all but one of his eight starts.

Varlamov’s numbers through nine games are strongly buoyed by his back-to-back shutouts to open the season, but he turned in his third clean sheet Monday by stopping all 30 shots he faced from the Rangers. He blanked the Bruins earlier this season by stopping all 27 shots he faced.

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Bruins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 2, Bruins 1

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+110) can be backed for what would be a slight upset on home ice. The Bruins are 1-4 straight up in their last five games when playing on no rest.

Boston dominated possession in its first meeting with the Islanders this season, posting a 5-on-5 Corsi For rating of 63.77% and registering 56.25% of the scoring chances at full strength. New York had more high-danger shot attempts.

The Bruins were able to rest Rask Friday by turning to backup Jaroslav Halak for Game 2 against the Rangers, but Varlamov has stymied Boston once already this season and returned to top form earlier this week before taking a 4-3 shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday.

Side with the rested home time.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Stick with the upset win for the Islanders, and PASS on the expensive puck line play.

At -275 odds, a $10 bet on the Isles to lose by just a single goal would return a profit of just $3.64.

Over/Under (O/U)

Stick with the UNDER 5.5 (-135) in what’s expected to be another goalie battle.

The last seven head-to-head clashes have gone 0-6-1 against the projected total, and Boston enters Saturday on a run of three consecutive Unders.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (5-5-1) visit the New York Islanders (5-4-2) Thursday for a 7 p.m. puck drop. Below we analyze the Penguins-Islanders NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:54 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Islanders -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+230) | Islanders +1.5 (-300)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (2-4-1, 3.95 GAA, .857 SV%) at Semyon Varlamov (5-2-1, 1.88 GAA, .932 SV%, 3 SO)

Jarry has allowed four goals in each of his past two starts, including the most recent meeting Saturday at this very same venue in a 4-3 loss. He made 22 saves on 26 shots, but he allowed a power-play goal to Islanders C Anders Lee with just 2:44 to go in regulation for the difference maker.

Varlamov started the season on fire with a pair of shutouts, but he went 0-2-1 with 11 goals allowed in three starts from Jan. 26-30. He has since bounced back, going 2-0-0 with a 1.50 GAA and .951 SV% in two February starts. Varlamov was on the winning end of Lee’s late heroics in Saturday’s game, making 28 saves against 31 shots.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 4, Penguins 2

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-105) are a good bet in this home meeting against the Penguins as Varlamov has been a real difference maker. On the flip side, Jarry has struggled for the Pens. Head coach Mike Sullivan is giving Jarry a little bit of a longer leash, hoping the goaltender can work through his struggles and return to his All-Star form.

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Against the spread (ATS)

New York’s price of +1.5 (-300) is to chalky. However, the alternate line of ISLANDERS -1.5 (+260) is worth a small-unit play. The Isles are coming off a 2-0 win over the New York Rangers last time out, and three of their five wins also have covered the puck line. They’re a good play here as you can more than double your initial wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-105) is a risky play based on Varlamov but also a good play based on Jarry’s recent performances. As long as the Penguins can strike for at least two goals against the red-hot Varly, you should be OK for a successful Over ticket. Just go lightly.

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Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (5-4-1) travel to meet the New York Islanders (3-4-2) at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Penguins-Islanders NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:10 a.m. ET.

Money line: Penguins -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Islanders -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Penguins -1.5 (+240) | Islanders +1.5 (-300)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tristan Jarry (2-3-1, .859 SV%, 3.92 GAA) vs. Semyon Varlamov (3-2-1, .924 SV%, 2.00 GAA, 2 SO)

Jarry hasn’t appeared since Jan. 28. Casey DeSmith started the most recent game for the Penguins, and then they were off for a couple of days due to a COVID-19 issue with the New Jersey Devils. Jarry hasn’t faced the Islanders since the 2017-18 season. He is 3-0-0 with a 1.62 GAA, .940 SV% and a shutout in three career starts against the Isles.

It’s been a tale of two seasons for Varlamov already. He went 3-0-0 with a 0.33 GAA and two shutouts in his first three starts, and he is 0-2-1 with an .855 SV% in his previous three outings. Last season against the Penguins he was 1-0-1 with a 3.84 GAA and .886 SV% in two outings.

Penguins at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 4, Penguins 3

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-105) are a good play at home against a Penguins side that is well-rested. New York is rested, too. The Isles haven’t played since Jan. 31 in Philadelphia, as the Buffalo Sabres were unable to travel for a two-game Tuesday-Thursday set due to COVID concerns.

The Isles went 0-3-2 on a brutal road trip, but return to home ice where they’re a perfect 2-for-2. Look for the home cooking to get the Isles going again.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Islanders +1.5 (-300) are far too expensive for the goal of insurance in the event of a loss on the spread. Three of their past four games were one-goal contests and they were on the short end of each.

In their three victories, two have also covered the puck line, although they haven’t hit a winner since Jan. 21 against New Jersey. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-120) is the trend for both teams lately, and the rust of having not played in a little while will also help keep the scoring low.

The Under is 4-1 in Pittsburgh’s past five overall, and the Under is 3-0-1 in New York’s past four at home. The Under is also 9-2-1 in the past 12 overall for the Isles.

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Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Buffalo Sabres (4-4-2) play the first of a two-game road set against the New York Islanders (3-4-2) at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Tuesday for a 6 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Sabres-Islanders NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Sabres at Islanders: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Sabres +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Islanders -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Sabres +1.5 (-250) | Islanders -1.5 (+200)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Sabres at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Linus Ullmark (3-1-2, 2.56 GAA, .914 SV%) at Semyon Varlamov (3-2-1, 2.00 GAA, .924 SV%, 2 SO)

Ullmark is projected as the starter. He is coming off a 4-3 shootout win over New Jersey on Saturday. He allowed just three goals on 34 shots in that seesaw affair. Ullmark coughed up three goals on 26 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss in New York Dec. 14, 2019 in his only appearance against the Islanders last season.

Varlamov started out like a ball of fire, posting shutouts in his first two outings, while winning each of his first three with only one goal allowed. The bottom has dropped out as he has gone 0-2-1 with a 3.64 GAA and .855 save percentage across his past three starts.

Sabres at Islanders: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 4, Sabres 2

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-135) are a good bet to bounce back on home ice. The Sabres (+115) are just 2-10 across their past 12 as an underdog, and they have dropped eight of the past 10 meetings with the Isles, including each of their past five on the Island.

Against the spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS -1.5 (+200) are worth a look with the potential to double up, although they’re only worth a small-unit wager. This is risky the way Varlamov has been leaking oil lately but worth a shot based upon Buffalo’s awful trends in the series.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (+110) is a good value at plus-money, although it might take a late empty-net goal to get you across the finish line. You’ll be going against all recent team trends and series trends, which point to the Under being the play. But based upon Varly’s shoddy play lately, and Buffalo allowing 11 goals over the past three outings, the Over is worth a look.

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New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Islanders (3-4-1) wrap up a two-game set against the Philadelphia Flyers (6-2-1) at Wells Fargo Center Sunday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Islanders-Flyers NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Islanders at Flyers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Islanders +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Flyers -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Islanders +1.5 (-275) | Flyers -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Islanders at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Ilya Sorokin (0-2-0, 3.57 GAA, .875 SV%) at Brian Elliott (2-0-0, 1.98 GAA, .938 SV%, 1 SO)

Sorokin is expected to make his third start of the season. In his first NHL outing (Jan. 16) he was thrust into action, as Semyon Varlamov was injured in pregame warmups; Sorokin and the Isles lost 5-0 to the New York Rangers. He was more prepared last Sunday, allowing just two goals on 24 shots in a 2-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils. In each of his appearances, the Islanders’ offense has given him zero goals of support.

Elliott coughed up three goals on 26 shots last time out, Tuesday in New Jersey. He picked up the win in his second consecutive outing. Unlike Sorokin, the Flyers offense has provided 8 total goals of offensive support in his two starts.

Islanders at Flyers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Flyers 3, Islanders 2

Money line (ML)

The FLYERS (-125) picked up the overtime win by a 3-2 score Saturday, and you can expect a similar performance in Sunday’s back end of the double dip. Sorokin is due to get some semblance of offensive support, but Elliott has been steady and will outperform the Russian rookie.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Flyers -1.5 (+220) are a tempting play, as you can more than double up your investment. The Islanders have dropped five in a row on the road; however, these games are usually close, and you can’t count on Philly to win by more than 2 goals. PASS, and focus more on the money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-135) is the way to go, despite the overall trends in the head-to-head meetings. While the Over is 8-3 in the past 11 meetings in Philadelphia, and 14-5-1 in the past 20 meetings overall, the Under cashed Saturday. The two backup goaltenders are some of the better understudies in the league, and the goals will be hard to come by. Look to the Under for the win.

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New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Philadelphia Flyers (5-2-1) are hosting the rival New York Islanders (3-4-0) for a back-to-back weekend set beginning Saturday with a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Wells Fargo Center. Below, we analyze the Islanders-Flyers NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Islanders at Flyers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Money line: Islanders +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Flyers -125 (bet $118 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Islanders +1.5 (-275) | Flyers -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Islanders at Flyers: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov (3-2-0, .936 SV%, 1.82 GAA) vs. Carter Hart (3-2-1, .896 SV%, 3.61 GAA)

After starting the season with three straight wins, including back-to-back shutouts, Varlamov dropped back-to-back outings against the Washington Capitals with a total of 8 goals allowed on 59 shots. He posted a .935 save percentage with a shutout in five playoff games against the Flyers last summer.

Hart showed some correction his last time out in holding the New Jersey Devils to 1 goal on 34 shots. He posted a .905 SV% over six games in the playoff loss to the Isles in the Toronto bubble.

Islanders at Flyers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Flyers 3, Islanders 1

Money line (ML)

The FLYERS (-125) are the play coming off of Hart’s best game of the season and with Varlamov trending in the wrong direction. Both teams are at the bottom of the league in Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 with the Isles and Flyers posting rates of 46.48% and 43.03%, respectively.

The Isles still manage 50.78% of the full strength scoring chances in their games, but Hart can make up for those. It was then-backup Thomas Greiss who was the biggest reason for the Isles’ 2019-20 playoff win over the Flyers.

Philadelphia is 10th in the NHL with a power-play percentage of 26.92. The Islanders serve 10.4 penalty minutes per game and are 17th with a penalty-kill percentage of 77.27.

Against the spread (ATS)

Add the value of FLYERS -1.5 (+220) for Philly to win by 2 or more goals. The Flyers have started well, especially offensively, and will be looking to avenge their second-round loss to the Isles in Toronto.

New York’s 9 even-strength goals are the fewest of all teams with at least five games played. Philadelphia is fourth in even-strength goals with 21 through eight games.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 5.5 (-120) with Hart getting back on track his last time out, and Varlamov previously showing his best form. Additionally, New York plays to an average of just 4.43 total goals per game to rank 29th in the NHL.

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New York Islanders at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s New York Islanders at Washington Capitals NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The Washington Capitals (4-0-3) and New York Islanders (3-3-0) play the second game of their two-game set at Capital One Arena Thursday. Puck drop will be at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Islanders-Capitals NHL odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Islanders at Capitals: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Islanders -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Capitals +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Islanders -1.5 (+230) | Capitals +1.5 (-275)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +120 | U: -140)

Islanders at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov (3-1-0, .966 SV%, 1.00 GAA) vs. Vitek Vanecek (3-0-2, .918 SV%, 2.70 GAA)

Varlamov is holding off rookie Ilya Sorokin, who had been considered a favorite for the Calder Trophy. The veteran started the season with back-to-back shutouts but allowed 3 goals on 37 shots in a loss to the Caps Tuesday. He was 1-2-0 in three games against Washington last year.

Vanecek will continue to carry the load with starter Ilya Samsonov sidelined by the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols. The rookie from the Czech Republic stopped 32 of the 34 shots he faced in Tuesday’s win.

Islanders at Capitals: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 3, Capitals 2

Money line (ML)

Let’s flip the script on Tuesday’s 3-2 Capitals victory. Both teams should continue to emphasize defensive play and there’s no reason to expect anything than what we’ve seen thus far from these two goaltenders.

Take the ISLANDERS (-115) as moderate road favorites against a now-desperately shorthanded Caps side. C Nicklas Backstrom (undisclosed) and C Lars Eller (undisclosed) were unable to finish Tuesday’s game. They could join RW Tom Wilson (lower body) on the sideline. LW Alex Ovechkin, C Evgeny Kuznetsov and D Dmitry Orlov also remain in the COVID protocols with Samsonov.

Against the spread (ATS)

Washington controlled puck possession Tuesday with a Corsi For percentage of 58.04% at 5-on-5 and New York is 30th for the season with a CF% of just 44.47.

Varlamov continues to shoulder the burden and compensate for his team’s possession struggles. He gets the edge in net, but Vanecek has proven to be a fully capable NHL netminder and is keeping third-string veteran Craig Anderson on the bench.

PASS on CAPITALS +1.5 (-275). I was OK paying up on the Caps at (-250) for 1 goal of insurance in the event of a loss but not at this price.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-140) is certainly the safer side, largely due to the Capitals’ injury and COVID troubles. Additionally, the Islanders are 0-6 against the O/U thus far, and their games average a league-low 3.67 total goals.

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New York Islanders at Washington Capitals odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s New York Islanders at Washington Capitals NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Islanders (3-2-0) visit the Washington Capitals (3-0-3) Tuesday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. Below, we analyze the Islanders-Capitals odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Islanders at Capitals: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:38 a.m. ET.

Money line: Islanders -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Capitals +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread/ATS: Islanders -1.5 (+200) | Capitals +1.5 (-250)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +105 | U: -125)

Islanders at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov (3-0-0, 0.33 GAA, .988 SV%, 2 SO) at Vitek Vanecek (2-0-2, 2.87 GAA, .912 SV%)

Varlamov has been near perfect so far this season. He has allowed just one goal on 82 shots, a goal to New Jersey Devils RW Nathan Bastian in a 4-1 victory Thursday. He blanked the Boston Bruins Jan. 18, and he blanked the Rangers in his season debut Jan. 14.

Vanecek is getting an opportunity to shine with G Ilya Samsonov down for the count due to COVID-19. The latter is expected back sometime in the upcoming week, but the way Vanecek has played since holding down the fort, the backup likely has played himself into at least a timeshare once Samsonov returns.

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Islanders at Capitals: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 3, Capitals 2

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-130) have been crushing it with Varlamov in the crease. Head coach Barry Trotz would love to stick it to his former employer in the Capitals, who he coached 2014-18. In four regular-season games last season between the Isles and Caps, the road team went a perfect 4-0, before New York eliminated Washington 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs.

Against the spread (ATS)

These games are generally very close. Four of the eight meetings last season, including the postseason, were one-goal games. The Islanders -1.5 (+200) are a tempting play, as you could double up if they win by 2 or more goals, but AVOID and focus on the money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-125) will cost you a little extra, but it’s worth a wager based upon how well Varlamov has been playing. Vanecek has been decent, too, but if the Over occurs here, it will be on the young Washington tendy, not Varly.

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

Previewing Sunday’s New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New York Islanders (3-1-0) are on the road to face the New Jersey Devils (2-1-1) at Prudential Center for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop Sunday. Below, we analyze the Islanders-Devils odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Islanders at Devils: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:14 p.m. ET.

Money line: Islanders -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Devils +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Against the spread/ATS: Islanders -1.5 (+170) | Devils +1.5 (-200)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)

Islanders at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov (3-0-0, 0.33 GAA, .988 SV%, 2 SO) at Scott Wedgewood (0-1-0, 4.00 GAA, .886 SV%)

Varlamov IS human as he actually allowed a goal last time out against the Devils in Thursday’s 4-1 home win. RW Nathan Bastian snuck one past Varly, snapping the goalie’s 142:10 shutout streak to start the season. Not too shabby. He’ll look to start a new streak on Sunday.

Wedgewood is expected to get the starting nod again, as G Aaron Dell is “in the process of joining the team,” according to bench boss Lindy Ruff. Dell is needed with G Mackenzie Blackwood on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list. The Devs are likely to lean upon Wedgewood heavily until Mac’s return.

Islanders at Devils: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Islanders 5, Devils 1

Money line (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-160) are reasonably priced on the road against a Devils team which is using what is essentially their third goaltender when they headed into the season. The Isles have the red-hot backstop in Varlamov, and the Devs have been dreadful on the penalty kill. New Jersey has taken 16 penalties in four games, allowing six power-play goals. That’s a recipe for a New York win.

Against the spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS -1.5 (+170) is a very, very attractive play. The Isles have covered the puck line in two of their three victories to date, including Friday’s 4-1 win on the Island in the front end of this home-and-home set.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 5.5 (+110) is worth a small-unit play at plus-money. Yes, Varlamov has been white-hot to start, but he is going to give up goals. You’ll need the Isles to do some heavy lifting, but they should be able to ding Wedgewood early and often.

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

Previewing Thursday’s New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The New Jersey Devils (2-0-1) look to stay hot Thursday in the first game of a home-and-home against the New York Islanders (2-1-0). Puck drop at Nassau Coliseum is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Devils-Islanders NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Devils at Islanders: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Devils +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Islanders -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Devils +1.5 (-225) | Islanders -1.5 (+180)
Over/Under: 5.5 (O: +115 | U: -140)

Devils at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Mackenzie Blackwood (2-0-1, .948 SV%, 1.90 GAA) vs. Semyon Varlamov (2-0-0, 1.00 SV%, 0.00 GAA)

Blackwood has been a huge reason for the Devils’ hot start. The 24-year-old stopped 47 of a ridiculous 50 shots on goal in a win over the New York Rangers Tuesday.

Varlamov was expected to hand over the No. 1 job to rookie Ilya Sorokin at some point this season, but the veteran has started with back-to-back shutouts with 51 total saves to stay on top of the depth chart. He allowed 2 goals on 31 shots in his only start against the Devils last season.

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Devils at Islanders: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Devils 3, Islanders 1

Money line (ML)

The DEVILS (+130) are the play for a road upset. The Islanders are last in the league with a Corsi For percentage of just 42.9% at 5-on-5. The measure of total shot attempts, including blocked and missed shots, shows New York has been far too reliant on the brilliant goaltending of Varlamov. The Devils are just 22nd in the NHL, but it’s a big enough difference to trust and want to take the value.

The Isles are without a key offensive contributor in RW Josh Bailey (COVID-19). New Jersey is missing C Nico Hischier (leg) but C Jack Hughes is emerging as a very early MVP candidate.

The oddsmakers don’t seem to be trusting Blackwood’s incredible start, but bettors should in what projects as a night with a lesser workload for him.

Against the spread (ATS)

Like the Devils to win outright, I’ll add the insurance of a 1-goal loss by taking NEW JERSEY +1.5 (-225) on the puck line. New Jersey has at least a point in all three games and will keep it tight in a goalie duel.

Over/Under (O/U)

Following suit, let’s add the UNDER 5.5 (-140) in a battle of two teams struggling to generate consistent offensive pressure. Both goaltenders are in for some regression on their early-season performance, but it’s unlikely to start in this spot.

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