NHL Betting Prediction on NY Islanders at New Jersey

The New York Islanders head across the river to take on the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. The Devils (29-22-7) are in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division and are coming off a 6-3 whitewashing by the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday. The Islanders (30-19-6) are in third place in the Metropolitan Division and knocked off the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 on Monday night. They face the Washington Capitals at home on Thursday night before going to take on the Devils on Friday. Don’t forget to check out for more online sportsbook odds for NHL by clicking here.

NHL Betting Prediction on NY Islanders at New Jersey and Game Info

When: Friday, February 19, 2016, 7:00 PM ET Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ TV: MSG+ Radio: WCBS 880 Live Stream: NHL.tv NHL Odds: XXXX

Why Should You Pick the Islanders?

The best answer to this is that the Devils simply don’t score goals. At 2.2 goals per game, they are dead last in the National Hockey League. Meanwhile, the Islanders rank #6 in the NHL in scoring, logging 2.9 goals per contest. Even though the Islanders’ defense is just middling (#12, 2.5 goals per game), the fact that the Devils struggle so mightily to score means that the Islanders will be able to wear down the Devils and get a goal in. The Devils do have a good power play, but the Islanders rank #2 on the penalty kill (87.0 percent) and should be able to snuff that out.

Why Should You Bet on New Jersey?

It’s true that the Islanders don’t have to travel far to get to this “Road” game, but they also have the Capitals at home the night before they get on the bus for the Devils. Win or lose against the Capitals, the Islanders will not have the same fresh legs as the Devils, who will have two full days of rest since their win over Detroit. Also, the Devils have the #1 defense in the NHL, allowing just 2.2 goals per game. They are #9 (82.2%) on the penalty kill and score power play goals at a 21.2 percent clip (good for #6). These factors combine to give the Devils a lot of advantages in this game.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

I might wait to place this bet after the Islanders-Capitals game on Thursday night, because injuries are always a possibility, and the way the game turns out could affect their motivation going into the Friday night affair. Right now, though, I like the Islanders to win, 2-1.