The New York Islanders grabbed a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference second-round series with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but the Bolts have been in this spot before. Tampa proved they could come back after losing the first contest of a series twice during last season’s playoffs and will have to do it again in 2016.
Extra rest has been kind to Tampa Bay as of late. When playing on two days rest, the Lightning are 8-3 SU. Their struggles with the Isles date back much further, however, as they’ve dropped five of their last six against New York.
Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss has been an absolute wall in the postseason, and he could be the biggest key to New York’s success. Greiss stopped 121 of 126 shots he faced - 30 of 36 on Wednesday - in the last three games.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had the Tampa Bay Lightning as -135 favorites earlier today. The over under opened at 5 at Sportsbook for betting fans hoping to turn a profit on totals.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 3.2-3 victory for the Lightning. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
New York Islanders vs Tampa Bay Lightning Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The New York Islanders will look to vanquish their hosts on Saturday, as they are 50-29-10 this season, while the Lightning are 50-33-5. New York is 37-44-8 against the total, while Tampa Bay is 36-41-11 versus the number. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Tampa Bay vs New York injuries news.
The Tampa Bay Lightning sit at No. 21 in the current NHL power poll here at Odds Shark, while the New York Islanders sit at a No. 24 on the same chart.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Tampa Bay Lightning No. 12-ranked offense (2.75 goals per game) against a New York Islanders defense that ranks No. 12 at 2.62 goals per game allowed. The Lightning Sportsbook has clicked at a 15.84% rate while the Islanders have a 84.74% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
New York was a 5-3 Sportsbook in its last match on the road against the Lightning. They won as +137 underdogs, while the total score of 8 made Sportsbooks of OVER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
New York home to Tampa Bay, Tuesday, May 3rd