Islanders, Bruins Still Scoring in Bunches

The Boston Bruins are a frustrated bunch – and if they don’t get a handle on their discipline, they could be watching the rest of the Stanley Cup playoffs from home. The favored Bruins (39-18-9 SU, 26-36-4 O/U) look to stave off elimination Wednesday night as they tangle with the host New York Islanders (39-20-8 SU, 27-36-4) in Game 6 of the East Division final.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Boston has held steady at -135, though bettors will find the odd -130 depending on where they bet. The total is set at 5 almost across the board, with the OVER at -135 and the UNDER at +115.

Boston News & Notes

Every year, one or two series feature indictments of the officiating – and that’s happening here, with Boston head coach Bruce Cassidy having been slapped with a $25,000 fine for criticizing the officials following the Bruins’ 5-4 loss in Game 5. Boston gave the Isles four manpower advantages while getting just two of its own, and New York made the Bruins pay with three power-play goals.

The Bruins do, however, have some momentum built up as they look to send this series to a seventh game. Boston finished with an incredible 44-19 shots advantage in the Game 5 defeat and nearly rallied all the way back from a three-goal third-period deficit. More importantly, the line of David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron broke out of its slump with a combined six points.

New York News & Notes

The Islanders were fortunate to come away with the Game 5 victory given how thoroughly they were outplayed, particularly over the final 40 minutes. That said, wins are all that matter in the Stanley Cup playoffs – and New York needs just one more to reach the NHL’s final four for the second time in three seasons.

The Islanders have punished the Bruins all series for their lack of discipline, having gone 6-for-15 with the man advantage through the first five games. It will be interesting to see if the Bruins’ most recent proteSportsbooks lead to a more balanced penalty ledger – a development that could be an issue for the Isles, who have allowed five Boston PP goals on 11 chances.

Betting Pick: OVER 5 (-135)

Both teams have looked dominant with the man advantage, and while this number always causes problems for hockey bettors (particularly in the lower-scoring postseason), we’re confident these teams will put enough pucks in the net to convert the OVER.