Tag: Semyon Varlamov

New York Islanders at Vancouver Canucks odds, picks and best bets

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

The New York Islanders (35-23-9) continue their road trip, visiting the Vancouver Canucks (35-27-6) at Rogers Arena Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Canucks sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Canucks: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Thatcher Demko

Varlamov checks in with a 19-14-5 record, 2.59 goals against average and .915 save percentage. But the real story is his play on the road, where he has been much better. He’s just 8-8-1 in 20 appearances, including 17 starts, away from home, but he has an impressive 2.28 GAA and .925 SV%.

Demko has been tasked with holding down the fort since Jacob Markstrom (knee) went down, with Louis Domingue brought in to be the understudy. Demko is 12-10-2 with a 3.03 GAA and .904 SV%, including 8-3-1 in 13 appearances on home ice, while Domingue lost his only start since joining the Canucks, allowing four goals on 34 shots.

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

Islanders at Canucks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 5, Canucks 3

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (+105) are short dogs on the road, but a real value here. They have dropped six in a row, but that’s not going to go on forever. They’re due, and they enter with a couple days of rest – they’re 7-2 in the past nine on two days of rest. They have also topped the Canucks (-129) in six of the past eight meetings overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to grab the road win returns a profit of $10.50 if they prevail, while a $10 wager on the Canucks nets a profit of $7.75.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

I’m backing the Islanders (+1.5, -250) on the moneyline to win straight up, so I am not interested in this insurance, especially if I have to risk two and a half times my investment. The Canucks (-1.5, +200) are tempting play if you think the Isles will continue their skid.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-106) is 6-1-1 in the past eight meetings in this series. While the Under is 6-0 in New York’s past six against the Western Conference, there is something about Tuesday that brings out the offense. The Over is 10-0-1 in New York’s past 11 played on a Tuesday.

For Vancouver, the Over has connected in eight of the past 10, and 5-1 in the past six at home. The Over is also 5-2 in its past seven against winning teams.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

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

Analyzing Saturday’s Boston Bruins at New York Islanders matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Boston Bruins (40-13-12) tangle with the New York Islanders (35-20-8) Saturday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Colisum in Uniondale, N.Y. at 1 p.m. ET. We analyze the Bruins-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Bruins at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Tuukka Rask vs. Semyon Varlamov

Rask steps into the crease looking to redeem himself after a loss last time out against the Flames, his first on home ice. The last time he faced the Islanders on the road, he picked up a 3-2 overtime win, making 35 saves. He also lost in a shootout at home on Dec. 19 to the Isles.

Varlamov puts his 19-12-5 record, 2.51 goals against average and .918 save percentage on the line against the B’s. He has actually been better on the road than at home. He beat the B’s in Boston on Dec. 19, making 27 saves in that shootout win, but dropped an OT game Jan. 11 despite 30 saves on 33 shots.

Get some action on this game or others! Place a legal sports bet at BetMGM.

Bruins at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bruins 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BRUINS (-143) are a good play on the road against the Islanders (+120), who are short dogs at home in matinee action. The road team is 19-7 in the past 26 in this series, with the B’s owning the Islanders in their barn, going 17-4 in the past 21 trips to the Island. They’re also 30-11 in the past 41 meetings overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Bruins ML returns a profit of $7 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Islanders ML results in a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Bruins (-1.5, +190) are awfully tempting at this price, although they’ve been a little shaky lately. Yes, they have dominated the Islanders (+1.5, -239) over a lengthy period, but either team winning by two or more goals seems remote. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-129) is the play here, going 4-0-1 in the previous five meetings in this series. The under is also 3-1-2 in the past six battles on the Island. The goaltending is very good on both sides, so goals should be at a premium.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

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

[jwplayer wcHtPTSE]

The New York Islanders (35-20-7) lock horns with the St. Louis Blues (37-17-10) Thursday at Enterprise Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Jordan Binnington

Varlamov suffered a tough 4-3 loss in overtime against the New York Rangers Tuesday, snapping a two-game winning streak. While he is 19-12-5 with a 2.51 goals against average and .918 save percentage in 41 appearances (36 starts), he is actually much better on the road. He is just 8-7-1, but he has a 2.18 GAA and .928 SV% in 19 road games, including 16 starts.

Binnington has racked up a 28-11-7 record, 2.61 GAA and .911 SV% in 46 starts. His splits easily favor him at home, as he is 19-4-5 with a 2.23 GAA and .919 SV% with all three of his shutouts at Enterprise Center, while going just 9-7-2 with a 3.22 GAA and .900 SV% on the road.

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

Islanders at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-176) are heavily favored at home behind Binnington. This won’t be a slam-dunk play, however, as the Islanders (+145) just made some key acquisitions at the trade deadline. While the home team should still come out ahead, go very lightly.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues ML returns a profit of $5.68 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Islanders ML results in a profit of $14.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This game is going to be super close, and could need overtime or a shootout to determine a winner. As such, you cannot play the Blues (-1.5, +145). However, the Islanders (+1.5, -176) is just a little too expensive. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-121) has connected in six of the past seven games overall for the Islanders, and 5-0 in the past five against Western Conference foes. For the Blues, they have hit the Over in six of the past seven against Eastern Conference teams, while the Over is 8-3-1 in the past 12 against winning teams. Don’t get carried away, but bank on a lower-scoring game.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

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

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

The New York Rangers (33-24-4) and rival New York Islanders (35-20-6) will tangle Tuesday at Nassau Coliseum at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Rangers-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Rangers at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Alexandar Georgiev vs. Semyon Varlamov

Georgiev went from being a name dangled at the NHL trade deadline, to suddenly a very valuable member of what is a two-goalie rotation once again. Promising rookie Igor Shesterkin suffered a non-displaced rib fracture which will send him to the shelf for at least a couple of weeks. Georgiev is 14-12-1 with a 2.98 goals against average and .912 save percentage through his 26 starts and two relief appearances.

Varlamov is 19-12-4 with a 2.47 GAA and .920 SV% through 35 starts and 40 appearances. The backstop has struggled against the Blueshirts this season, going 0-2-0 with a 4.92 GAA and .857 SV% in two starts. Perhaps Thomas Greiss gets a look. He is 16-8-2 with a 2.65 GAA and .916 SV% overall this season, winning his only start against the Rangers Jan. 13 at MSG with two goals allowed on 42 shots.

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

Rangers at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rangers 4, Islanders 3

Moneyline (ML)

The RANGERS (+115) are worth a look on the moneyline in this key rivalry game, even on the road. Even though the Islanders (-139) added some key parts at the deadline, and the Rangers parted with the likes of D Brady Skjei, the Rangers should be able to rally around the injury to Shesterkin and F Pavel Buchnevich, who was also in the car wreck.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rangers to win returns a profit of $11.50, while a $10 wager on the Islanders results in a profit of $7.20.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The puck line can be avoided when picking the underdog to win outright. The Rangers (+1.5, -208) will cost you a stake of more than two times your return. That’s unacceptable. The Islanders (-1.5, +170) are the value at home on the puck line if you’re backing them. I’m not, PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-134) is an impressive 10-3-1 in the past 14 for the Rangers against winning teams, and 9-4-1 in the past 14 as a road dog.  The Islanders have posted a 5-2 Over/Under mark in their past seven games at home, and the Over is 7-3 in their past 10 as a favorite, too. For what it’s worth, the Over is 9-1-1 in their past 11 appearances on a Tuesday.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

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

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

The Detroit Red Wings (15-43-4) travel to meet the New York Islanders (33-20-6) Friday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Red Wings-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Red Wings at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Bernier vs. Semyon Varlamov

Bernier has turned into a trade chip for the lowly Wings leading up to Monday’s deadline. He’ll have at least one more game to build his stock. He enters with a 13-17-2 record, 2.89 goals against average and .908 save percentage, which looks bad. However, those numbers are phenomenal given how poorly Jimmy Howard has played, going 2-22-2 with a 4.08 GAA and .886 SV%. Howard was in the crease, allowing three goals in just 7:56 before getting pulled, in an 8-2 loss Jan. 14 at the Isles.

Varlamov enters 17-12-4 with a 2.55 GAA and .918 SV%, with each of the past two categories slightly ahead of his career numbers. He didn’t start that mid-January start against the Wings, but he allowed just one goal on 31 shots in a 4-1 win in Detroit Dec. 2.

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

Red Wings at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Red Wings 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (-304) should be AVOIDED, not because they’re not going to win, but you have to risk over three times the return on investment. It’s just not worth the risk of an upset. Ask those who laid big money on the Canadiens in Detroit Tuesday – a 4-3 loss. However, the Wings (+240) have won just once in the past seven meetings.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders ML returns a profit of $3.29, while a $10 wager on the Red Wings ML results in a profit of $24.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, -106) are a better bet on the puck line, even though you still won’t catch plus-money backing them to win by 2 goals or more. Despite the win by the Red Wings (+1.5, -115) last time out, they’ve averaged just 1.7 goals per game across the past seven outings, and rank last in the league with a 2.02 GPG for the season.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-129) is the play here as the Red Wings are terrible at putting the biscuit in the basket. The Under is 4-0-1 in the past five on the road for the Wings, while going 5-1-1 in the past seven overall. The Under is also 4-0 in the past four for the Isles, and 5-1-2 in the past eight against Atlantic Division foes. However, tread lightly, as the Over is 13-3 in the past 16 meetings in New York, while the Isles are 5-0 in the past five at home.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

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

Previewing Wednesday’s New York Islanders at Colorado Avalanche sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Islanders (33-19-6) visit the Colorado Avalanche (33-18-7) Wednesday at Pepsi Center for a 10 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Islanders-Avalanche odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Both teams are on three-game skids after losing Monday. The Islanders fell at the Arizona Coyotes 2-1, while the Avs dropped a 4-3 overtime decision at home to the hot Tampa Bay Lightning – who won their 11th in a row.

Islanders at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Pavel Francouz

Varlamov is 17-11-4 with a 2.53 goals against average (GAA) and .918 save percentage. He lost his last two starts despite playing well; he allowed only 2 goals on 32 shots Monday, and he stopped 42 of 43 shots in a 1-0 loss at the Vegas Golden Knights Saturday. Varlamov, who played eight seasons for the Avs before signing with the Islanders as a free agent this past offseason, shut out his former team 1-0 Jan. 6, stopping all 32 shots.

Francouz is 13-5-3 with a 2.51 GAA and a .922 SV%. He allowed 4 goals on 27 shots in Monday’s OT defeat after winning his last two starts. He took the loss in the first head-to-head meeting with the Isles, allowing just a third-period Anders Lee goal on 33 shots.

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

Islanders at Avalanche: Key injuries

Islanders

  • C Casey Cizikas (leg) out
  • RW Cal Clutterbuck (wrist) out
  • D Adam Pelech (Achilles) out for season

Avalanche

  • G Philipp Grubauer (groin) out
  • LW Matt Calvert (lower body) out
  • RW Mikko Rantanen (collarbone) out
  • C Nazem Kadri (ankle) out
  • C Colin Wilson (lower body) out

Islanders at Avalanche: 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 9:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 2, Avalanche 1

Moneyline (ML)

There’s value in backing Varlamov’s ISLANDERS (+135) considering he shut out the Avalanche (-167) last month. Plus, the Islanders won five of their last six games against the Avs. The Isles are 1-4 in their last 5 road games, 1-7 in their last 8 games as an underdog, and 1-6 in their last 7 as a road dog, so, beware. I’m keeping this to a small-unit play.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Colorado (-1.5, +165) is an impressive 33-25 vs. the PL overall, but just 15-14 at home. New York (+1.5, -200) is not worth the risk. Every $2 wagered on the Islanders PL will profit $1 if they win, or lose by a single goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-106) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Before the Avs’ Monday OT game, they played 6 Unders in a row – all 5 goals or less. The Islanders are on a 3-game Under streak. Look for both goalies to have solid games, just like the last time they faced off. The Avs are the highest-scoring team in the league (3.55 goals per game), but the Under is 5-1 in the last 6 head-to-head meetings in Colorado.

Every $1.06 wagered on the Under will profit $1 if the two teams combine for 5 or fewer goals.

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

Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 9-5.

Strongest plays (all sports) since Dec. 1: 23-10.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

New York Islanders at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

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

The New York Islanders (33-17-6) visit the Vegas Golden Knights (29-22-8) Saturday at T-Mobile Arena for a 10:30 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Islanders-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Both teams played Thursday. The Islanders lost 5-0 at the Nashville Predators, snapping a two-game win streak, while the Golden Knights ended a two-game skid with a 6-5 OT home win vs. the St. Louis Blues.

The Islanders took the first regular-season matchup with Vegas when Ryan Pulock scored in OT for a 3-2 home victory Dec. 5.

Islanders at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Varlamov is 17-9-4 with a 2.59 goals against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. Varlamov won his last start, stopping 35 of 38 shots in a 5-3 home win vs. the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday. He did play Thursday in relief, stopping 16 of 18 shots in the Nashville loss. In the December victory vs. Vegas, the Russian native was the winning goalie, saving 31 of 33 shots.

Fleury, who didn’t play in that first head-to-head meeting, is 21-14-5 with a 2.87 GAA and a .904 SV%. He lost his last two starts, allowing 9 goals on 54 shots. He is 2-2-1 with 2.97 GAA and an .878 SV% in February, but he did shut out Nashville 3-0 Feb. 1.

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

Islanders at Golden Knights: Key injuries

Islanders

  • C Casey Cizikas (leg) out, on IR
  • RW Cal Clutterbuck (wrist) out, on IR
  • D Adam Pelech (Achilles’) out for season

Golden Knights

  • RW Alex Tuch (lower body) questionable

Islanders at Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 5, Islanders 4

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-176) are worth a small wager despite a price higher than I usually prefer. Every $1.76 wagered on the Knights’ ML will profit $1 if they win. Vegas is 15-10-4 at home, while New York (+145) is a respectable 15-10-2 on the road. But I expect the momentum from Thursday’s thrilling Blues win to carry over into this one for the Golden Knights – who are 5-3-2 since Peter DeBoer took over as coach.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Vegas (-1.5, +155) and New York (+1.5, -189) are both under .500 vs. the PL. The Golden Knights are 23-38 overall and 9-20 at home vs. the PL, while the Islanders are 26-30 overall, but 14-13 on the road vs. the PL.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-134) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Four of Vegas’ last five games have seen at least 6 goals, while six of New York’s last eight games have reached at least 6 goals.

Every $1.34 wagered on the Over will profit $1 if the two combine for 6 or more goals.

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

Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 9-4.

Strongest plays since Dec. 1: 22-9.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]

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

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

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

Islanders at Predators: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Pekka Rinne

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

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

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

Islanders at Predators: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Islanders 4, Predators 3

Moneyline (ML)

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

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

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

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

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

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

Islanders at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Ilya Samsonov

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

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

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

Islanders at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

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

Prediction

Capitals 4, Islanders 1

Moneyline (ML)

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

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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

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

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

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

Kings at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jonathan Quick vs. Thomas Greiss

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

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

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

Kings at Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Kings 2

Moneyline (ML)

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

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

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

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

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

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

Over/Under (O/U)

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

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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