The New York Islanders will roll into the PPG Paints Arena to face the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight and the Islanders have been on a scoring tear of late. New York has jumped to top spot in the NHL with an average of 3.71 goals per game. Their firepower has carried them to some decent victories this season and they’re 5-2 SU in their last seven away from Barclays Center. New York opened as a +135 road dog in Pittsburgh.
The Islanders have been an exciting team to watch this season for fans as their top line has been on fire. John Tavares and Anders Lee have combined for 33 goals this season, which is the most by any duo in the NHL. This offensive production from these two has carried New York to 8-3 SU in their last 11 games. They also know how to rebound after coming up short as they’re 7-1 SU in their last eight games after a loss.
The Penguins, on the other hand, dropped a tough one to the New York Rangers at home on Tuesday but that shouldn’t sSportsbooktors from considering Pittsburgh tonight. The Pens are 9-4 SU at home this season and are 4-2 SU in their last six games vs the Islanders. Pittsburgh may be undermanned on the blue line as defenseman Justin Schultz is not expected to play tonight.
The total opened at a whopping 6.5 goals and that number may scare bettors off of considering the OVER. Well, you’ll be happy to know the total has been at 6.5 four times this season and the OVER is 3-1. Also, the OVER is 6-4 in the last 10 games when the total opened at 6.5 goals.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Pittsburgh Penguins were listed earlier today as -145 moneyline favorites at most sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark (including Sportsbook), while oddsmakers set the Sportsbook betting total around 6.
OddsShark score prediction models pick a 4-2 result in favor of the Penguins today. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
New York Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Pittsburgh will face the 16-9-2 Islanders. In totals betting, the Penguins are 16-12-1 in OVER/UNDER betting so far this season while the New York Islanders are 18-8-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Pittsburgh vs New York injuries news.
According to new NHL Power Rankings here at OddsShark, it's the No. 6-ranked Penguins and the No. 4-rated Islanders in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Pittsburgh's No. 21-ranked offense, averaging 2.85 goals per game, against a Islanders defense that ranks No. 24 at 3.17 goals allowed. The Penguins power play is averaging 26.26% while the Islanders defense kills off 79.22% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last action, New York was a 6-2 loser on the road against the Lightning. Bettors on Tampa Bay at -191 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (8) sent OVER bettors home happy as well.
The Penguins were a 4-3 loser in their most recent outing at home against the Rangers. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got New York at +154 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for OVER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
New York at Boston, Saturday, December 9
Pittsburgh home to Toronto, Saturday, December 9