ny-islanders-vs-toronto-pro-hockey-betting-spread

NHL Betting Pick on NY Islanders at Toronto

On Wednesday, the New York Islanders head north of the border to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in NHL betting action. The Maple Leafs (21-33-11) are in eighth place in the Atlantic Division and just suffered a 4-3 shootout loss at home to Buffalo on Monday. The Islanders (36-20-7, 79 points) are in third place in the Metropolitan Division and beat the New York Rangers on Sunday, 6-4. The Islanders also take on the Pittsburgh Penguins at home on Tuesday before heading to Toronto for Wednesday’s action.

NHL Betting Pick on NY Islanders at Toronto and TV Info

When: Wednesday, March 9, 2016, 7:00 PM ET Where: Air Canada, Centre, Toronto, ON TV: RSN, TVA, MSG+ Radio: Sportsnet 590 The Fan AM Live Stream: NHL.tv NHL Odds: TBA

Why Should You Put Your Money on the Islanders?

The Islanders are making a move to contend in the East playoffs and have a shot to catch the Rangers for the second-place seed from the Metropolitan Division. They are fifth in the NHL in goals scored (2.9 per game), which represents a major move up from earlier in the season. They are taking on a Maple Leafs team that is still in the early phases of a rebuilding phase under new coach Mike Babcock. In terms of talent, the Islanders are far enough ahead of Toronto to make this a win.

Why Should You Bet on Toronto?

ny-islanders-at-toronto-nhl-betting-odds The Maple Leafs have undertaken a bold step by calling up several of their prospects to start cutting their NHL teeth now. Nikita Soshnikov, Zach Hyman, Kasperi Kapanen and William Nylander are the top players in this group, but now there are 10 Maple Leafs who have spent part of this season in the AHL. They will face a hard learning curve, but youthful energy often gets rewarded quickly in the NHL, and if the Islanders are expecting an easy night, they could get an unpleasant surprise. As it is, though, I would want a two-goal spread before I bet on the Leafs. Maybe 2 ½.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like the Islanders to come to Toronto and take care of business. I’m picking them to win 3-2.