A date with a familiar foe, the New York Rangers (11-4-3), may be just what the doctor ordered for the New York Islanders (5-8-2) to finally get their inaugural win at UBS Arena. This marks the first matchup of the season between the two rivals, who will play each other twice in the next five days.
- Date/Time: November 24, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Arena: UBS Arena
- TV Coverage: MSG+2, MSG
- Sportsbook Odds: Rangers -115 | O/U 5.5 (Line History)
- Rangers vs Islanders Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
How bad are things for the Islanders right now? Oddsmakers opened things up with the visiting Rangers as -115 favorites, even though the Isles beat the Blueshirts six times in eight meetings last season. The total opened at 5.5, but bettors should know the total has gone UNDER in seven of the last eight matchups between these teams.
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Rangers News and Notes
The Rangers are on a roll, having won five of their last six games. A buzzer-beater by Ryan Lindgren secured their latest victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. Chris Kreider also found the back of the net and now has 13 goals, fourth-most in the league. The Rangers have feasted on Eastern Conference opponents, winning nine of 11 games.
Reigning Norris Trophy Sportsbook Adam Fox has picked up where he left off last season. He leads all defensemen in scoring with 18 points in as many games. Fox has dropped down as low as +400 to win the award again this season, which certainly makes him one of the favorites.
Islanders News and Notes
Unlike the Rangers, the Islanders are reeling, having lost six straight games. They have been outscored 27-6 during that stretch, and to make matters worse, they have more players in COVID-19 protocol (7) than they do wins this season (5).
After he tested positive for the virus, Zdeno Chara is the latest to join the list, which also includes captain Anders Lee and Josh Bailey, among others. In all, they will be without nine regulars for this game as Brock Nelson and Ryan Pulock are also sidelined with injuries, meaning the team may look more like the Bridgeport Islanders than the parent club.
The Islanders have scored a league-low 31 goals this season (2.07 goals per game), so it’s no wonder the total has gone UNDER in nine of the team’s last 13 games.
How The Rangers Will Win
The Rangers sit 13 points ahead of the Islanders in the standings, though the Isles do have three games in hand. They can extend that lead if their top players can take advantage of a depleted Islanders lineup. Artemi Panarin is coming off his second three-point effort this season and has 27 points in 23 career games vs the Islanders.
How The Islanders Will Win
The Islanders need some of their young call-ups to seize the moment if they want to steal two points. They also need Mathew Barzal to get his game going. The speedy centre has been held without a point in three straight games and has just eight on the season. They can also make you some cash betting the moneyline if their power play finally wakes up. It is currently 30th in the league at just over 12 percent.
Computer Pick: Rangers ML (-125)
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Buy Sports Picks Now- The OVER is 6-2 in the Rangers’ last 8 games.
- The UNDER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
- The Islanders are 5-1 SU in the last 6 meetings.
