Somehow, someway, the New York Islanders have already matched last season’s win total of 35 and are four points shy of their point tally (80). The Isles, who’ve won five of their last six and are 21-5-2 SU in their past 28, hit the road tonight to renew acquaintances with the Calgary Flames in Canada. Sportsbooks opened the Flames as -150 home favorites with a total of 6.
Islanders vs Flames Game Center
Standout Stats
- The Islanders are 8-2-2 SU in one-goal games since December 15. New York is the top money team in the NHL this season, as they’re up $1,439 for $100 bettors.
- Islanders goaltender Robin Lehner owns a stellar 14-3-1 record in his last 18 decisions and is 3-1-1 in six career meetings with Calgary. Lehner turned aside 34 of 36 shots in his last appearance – a 5-2 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
- Calgary (18-5-5 at Scotiabank Saddledome) is tied for the fewest regulation losses on home ice with Tampa Bay and San Jose. The Flames are averaging an NHL-best 4.3 goals per game on home ice.
- Flames winger Elias Lindholm set up a pair of third-period goals in Calgary’s 5-2 victory over Arizona on Monday to extend his point streak to five games (two goals, six assists). Lindholm now has 27 points (eight goals, 19 assists) in his last 20 contests.
- The Islanders have gone UNDER in 13 of their last 16 overall with an average combined score of 4 goals, while six of the previous eight meetings between New York and Calgary have gone UNDER with an average combined score of 4.4 goals. In February, the Islanders are averaging only 2.3 goals per game while surrendering a mere 1.7 goals per game.
- Calgary is 1-6 ATS in its past seven games as puckline favorites, while New York is 6-1 SU and ATS in its past seven as road puckline underdogs. Sportsbook is dealing the Flames’ -1.5 at +175 and the Islanders’ +1.5 number at -210.
My best bet for Islanders-Flames
UNDER 6
It’s hard to bet against the Flames on home ice, and while I think this one is going to be relatively close, I’m going to take the UNDER instead of focusing on a side. The Islanders have been UNDER machines due to their penchant for preventing scoring opportunities and winning games by slim margins. Lehner has been a revelation this season and is a threat to send games UNDER every time he gets the start.
