The Barclays Center will be the site for a Metro Division matchup as the Pittsburgh Penguins square off against the New York Islanders. Sportsnet will broadcast the game, and the opening face-off takes place at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 5.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Odds
The Islanders are 20-21 straight up (SU) and have lost 1.6 units for moneyline bettors this year. That early-season winning percentage is right in line with what the team produced during last year’s regular season (41-41). Through 41 regular season outings, 26 of the team’s games have gone over the total, while 11 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 12-7 SU at home this season.
New York’s converted on 21.2 percent of its power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s good enough for ninth-best in the league. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 31st overall, and it’s successfully killed off 73.2 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, NY has been whistled for penalties just 3.6 times per game overall this season, and 5.2 per game over its last five games. The team has been forced to kill penalties for a whopping 14.2 minutes per game over its last five matchups, in total.
With a .904 save percentage and 28.0 saves per game, Jaroslav Halak (11-14-2) has been the best option in goal for the Islanders this season. If head coach Doug Weight decides to give him a breather, however, the team might turn to Thomas Greiss (9-11-11 record, .882 save percentage, 3.89 goals against average).
The Isles will continue to look for offensive production via John Tavares and Josh Bailey. Tavares (50 points) has tallied 22 goals and 28 assists and has recorded multiple points in 15 different games this year. Bailey has 12 goals and 38 assists to his name and has notched at least one point in 28 contests.
Pittsburgh is 20-22 straight up (SU) and has lost 8.0 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 42 regular season outings, 21 of its games have gone over the total, while 18 have gone under and just two have pushed. Pittsburgh’s 8-14 SU as the visiting team this season.
Pittsburgh comes into the matchup with the second-strongest power-play unit in the NHL, as it’s scored on 25.7 percent of its extra-man advantages this season. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 13th overall and it’s successfully killed off 81.6 percent of all opponent power plays.
Pittsburgh’s players have been called for penalties 4.2 times per game this season, and 3.0 per game over their last five on the road. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays just 7.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Matt Murray (25.3 saves per game) has been the main option in goal for Pittsburgh. Murray has 16 wins, 14 losses, and one OT loss to his credit, while registering a .902 save percentage and 2.97 goals against average this year.
For the visiting Penguins, the offense will run through Phil Kessel (17 goals, 27 assists) and Evgeni Malkin (14 goals, 24 assists).
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Islanders, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes
The total has gone under in three of Pittsburgh’s last five outings.
Pittsburgh’s attempted 34.3 shots per game overall this season (the second-most in the NHL), and 30.9 in its last 10 outings.
The Islanders are 9-11 in games where they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 12-15 when they serve fewer than 10 total penalty minutes.
Pittsburgh is 2-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while New York is 2-1 in shootouts.
New York is ranked 25th this season with 6.1 takeaways per game. That figure has trended lower lately, however, as it has forced 5.2 takeaways over its last 10 games and 4.8 takeaways over its last five.
Pittsburgh skaters have created 5.6 takeaways per game over its last five road games, a drop-off from its season average of 6.3 takeaways per game (ranked 24th).
