Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Florida Panthers at New York Islanders NHL Playoffs Qualifier Round sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Florida Panthers and the New York Islanders tangle Saturday in Game 1 of their best-of-five NHL Playoffs Qualifier Series round at 4 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, one of two hub locations for the NHL restart. We analyze the Panthers-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Thomas Greiss

Bobrovsky, who made the start in Wednesday’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, registered a 23-19-6 record, 3.23 goals-against average and .900 save percentage across 50 games (49 starts). It wasn’t exactly the type of production the team hoped they’d get from Bobrovsky after backing up a Brink’s truck to his house last offseason. However, he can wash all of those buyer’s remorse feelings away with a strong postseason run. It might be tough, however, as he was 0-2-0 in two starts against the Isles, although he had a respectable 2.05 GAA and .938 SV%.

Greiss was the backstop in a 2-1 exhibition win over the rival New York Rangers on Wednesday night, a good sign he’ll be manning the crease in Game 1 against the Cats. While “Bob” was pretty good against the Isles this season, Greiss was just a little better against the Panthers. Greiss posted a 2-0-0 record, 1.00 GAA and .972 save percentage in two regular-season starts, stopping 69 of the 71 pucks he faced.


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Panthers vs. Islanders: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday at 10:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 4, Panthers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-121) have won four consecutive meetings with the Panthers (+100), so there is a lot of confidence for the boys in blue and orange. In addition, the favorite has cashed in five of the previous six meetings in this series. New York is trying to wash a bad taste out of its mouth after being swept by the Carolina Hurricanes in the postseason a year ago. Florida will be getting its feet wet, returning to the postseason since 2016. That invaluable experience last season for the Isles, albeit brief, will be the difference, as well as having Barry Trotz behind the bench.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders to win returns a profit of $8.30, while a $10 wager on the Panthers results in a profit of $10.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

It might be a good idea to go lightly on ISLANDERS (-1.5, +225) on the puck line. Keep in mind, though, that while New York won each of the previous three regular-season meetings, one win came in a shootout, and the other in a 2-1 win in regulation on the Island. Either way, the moneyline cashed twice, and the puck line did not. So tread lightly.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-110) is a slam-dunk play in this one. Expect the skaters to look like they’re pushing in sand early in the qualifiers after a long layoff, taking at least a game or two to knock off the rust. Plus, the first three meetings between these clubs each cashed the under. Look for more of the same.

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

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

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Montreal Canadiens at New York Islanders odds, picks and best bets

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

The Montreal Canadiens (30-28-9) tangle with the New York Islanders (35-21-8) Tuesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Canadiens-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Canadiens at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Carey Price vs. Thomas Greiss

Price is 26-23-6 with a 2.76 goals against average and .910 save percentage across 55 starts. While he actually has a losing record since the All-Star break, going 6-7-2, his GAA is better than his season numbers at 2.54. He also has a 2.63 GAA on the road in 25 outings as opposed to a 2.87 in 30 contests at home. He allowed two goals on 23 shots in a 4-2 win over the Isles at Bell Centre in his only previous start vs. NYI this season.

Greiss is 16-8-3 with a 2.65 GAA and .916% SV% across 29 starts and two relief appearances. He is 9-2-1 with a 2.44 GAA and .917 SV% in 13 home games (12 starts). He lost to the Canadiens Dec. 23, yielding three goals on 39 shots.


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Canadiens 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 11:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Canadiens 2

Moneyline (ML)

The ISLANDERS (-143) have rattled off five wins in the past seven home games, and they’re 5-1 in the past six as a home favorite. The Isles are also 15-5 in their past 20 against Atlantic Division foes, making them an attractive play against the Canadiens (+120). Montreal is just 3-7 in the past 10, and 2-5 in the past seven tries against winning teams.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Islanders ML returns a profit of $6.99 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Canadiens ML results in a profit of $12.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This is going to be a close battle with strong goaltending. Goals will be at a premium. If the Islanders (-1.5, +185) do cover the puck line, bettors will likely need to sweat out an empty-net goal in the final seconds. Too risky. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The O/U is set at 5.5 (Over +100, Under -121). The under is a risky, considering the Over is 6-1 in the past seven for the Habs, and 5-0 in the past five against winning teams. However, the Under is 8-1 in the past nine for the Isles. The trends are all over the board, making this a play to AVOID.

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.

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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.


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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.

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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.


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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.

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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.


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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.

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New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes sports betting odds, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Carolina Hurricanes (27-18-3) host the New York Islanders (28-15-4) at PNC Arena for a 5 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Islanders-Hurricanes odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Islanders at Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Thomas Greiss vs. James Reimer 

The Islanders are sending out backup netminder Greiss who has won back-to-back games, including an impressive 34-save effort in an 8-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday. The win moved Greiss to 13-7-0 on the year with a .921 save percentage and 2.54 goals against average.

Between the other pipes is Hurricanes No. 2 Reimer, who is sporting a 10-6-1 record with a .919 SV% and 2.56 GAA. Reimer has been good lately—winning two of his last three starts—but dropped his last game 2-1 in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks.


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Islanders at Hurricanes: 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 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 3, Hurricanes 1

Moneyline (ML)

Let’s live a little on this glorious Sunday and BET ISLANDERS (+150). Sure, the Hurricanes have owned the Islanders recently; Carolina has won six straight against the Islanders, including last year’s second-round playoff series, but they can’t beat the Islanders forever, right? The Islanders are 6-1 in their last seven Sunday games and the Hurricanes have struggled in the Metropolitan Division lately—they are 2-11 in their last 13 vs. Metropolitan opponents.

The ISLANDERS (+150) are offering just too much value for a team who has to be ultra motivated for revenge.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Neither team’s puck line record inspires confidence in a wager; the Islanders are 21-26 against the spread and the Hurricanes are 21-27. The dog has held an edge in the Islanders-Hurricanes recent history. The underdog is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings so there is prudence in an Islanders +1.5 (-189) bet. Also, New York is 11-11 ATS on the road and Carolina is just 11-13 ATS at home. Between the Hurricanes’ recent success versus the Islanders and the heavy vig attached to the New York side, I recommend a PASS on the puck line.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-121) is the only play that makes sense here. The Islanders-Hurricanes combined Over/Under record is 41-52, both are below average in total goals scored per game (Hurricanes rank 23rd and Islanders rank 26th) and both backups have a lower GAA than the regular starting goalies. BetMGM knows the Under is the better side hence the -121 pricepoint.

New to sports betting? Bet $121 on Under 5.5 total goals in the Islanders-Hurricanes game to earn a profit of $100.

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

Follow @Geoffery_Clark 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.

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

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

The Detroit Red Wings (12-31-3) and New York Islanders (27-13-4) battle at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Red Wings-Islanders sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Red Wings at Islanders: Projected starting goalies

Jimmy Howard vs. Thomas Greiss

Howard is confirmed to start for the Wings, and that’s good news for the Islanders. The Red Wings veteran is just 2-15-1 with a 4.10 goals against average and .880 save percentage this season, and he has allowed five or more goals in three of his past four starts while failing to win in 11 outings dating back to Oct. 29.

Greiss is likely to make the start after Semyon Varlamov was trucked in Monday’s outing against the rival New York Rangers, coughing up six goals. Greiss came on and saved the only chance he saw. He enters 12-7-0 with a 2.57 GAA and .919 SV%.


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Red Wings 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 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Islanders 5, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Islanders (-334) are heavy favorites, and my rule of thumb is to avoid favorites of more than -160 or -170 at the max. AVOID. Meanwhile, the Red Wings (+260) can’t be trusted, even though they do have two wins in the past three outings. The Wings have dropped five in a row on the road, outscored 20-10 during the span.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Islanders ML will only profit $2.99  if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The ISLANDERS (-1.5, -110) are going to be angry after being embarrassed at MSG on Monday. Regardless of whether it’s Greiss or Varlamov in between the pipes, you can depend upon the Isles to get it done on home ice.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-106) is worth a small-unit wager. The Islanders shouldn’t be a problem for offense, especially against a goalie giving up four or more goals.

Want some action on this matchup? 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.

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