The scorching-hot New York Islanders (15-3-1) host the Metropolitan Division-rival Pittsburgh Penguins (11-7-3) Thursday at Barclays Center. The puck is scheduled to drop shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Penguins-Islanders odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Penguins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies
Matt Murray vs. Thomas Greiss
Murray has dropped each of his last three decisions, though two of those were in overtime. He allowed a total of 10 goals over the stretch while facing more than 27 shots on goal just once. He has a .910 save percentage and a 2.52 goals against average on the season.
Greiss has won seven straight starts dating back to Oct. 11. He is 8-1-0 through nine starts and a relief appearance with a 1.98 GAA and a league-best .938 SV%. He has allowed more than two goals in just two starts.
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Penguins at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Islanders 4, Penguins 3
Moneyline (ML)
This rematch comes on the heels of a 5-4 overtime road victory for New York Tuesday which evened the season series between the two. The Islanders, second in the Metro Division, are 9-2-1 at home. They haven’t lost in regulation since falling 5-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes Oct. 11. They’ve lost in overtime just once in their last 15 games. The Penguins sit fourth in the division and come into Thursday with a 4-4-1 road record.
Pittsburgh remains without C Sidney Crosby (groin), C Nick Bjugstad (undisclosed), D Kris Letang (lower body) and now D Justin Schultz (undisclosed). The ISLANDERS (-143) will get this one done in regulation.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Isles to win outright in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $7.
Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The spread is a much tougher call, as the Islanders are only 6-6 against the spread at home despite the near-perfect moneyline record. Six of New York’s last seven games were decided by single tallies, including Tuesday’s win over the Penguins.
Back PITTSBURGH (+1.5, -239) to keep this one within a goal in a loss, or win outright. The Pens are 5-4 on the puck line as visitors.
Over/Under (O/U)
The juice is on the OVER 5.5 (-121) after Tuesday’s game saw the two teams combine for nine total goals. It’s our play with the Islanders 7-3 against the Over/Under across their last 10 games.
Esten’s NHL betting record: 61-63
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