Two clubs squaring off for the second time this season, the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders clash at the Barclays Center in a Metropolitan Division tilt. MSG Network will air the matchup, and the action gets going at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 16.
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders Odds
The money line for either team is currently set at an identical -110 and the oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at an even 6 goals (-120 for the over, +100 for the under).
New York is 23-22 straight up (SU) and has recorded -1.6 units for moneyline bettors thus far. That early-season winning percentage is right in line with what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (41-41). Through 45 regular season contests, 29 of its games have gone over the total, while 12 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 13-8 SU at home this year.
The Islanders have converted on 20.3 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 30th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 73.9 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, the Islanders have been called for penalties just 3.6 times per game overall this season, and 4.8 per game over their last five outings. The team’s had to kill penalties for just 7.6 minutes per game over their last five home outings.
Averaging 29.0 saves per game with a .906 save percentage, Jaroslav Halak (13-15-2) has been the primary goalkeeper for New York this year. If the Isles decide to give him the night off, however, the team may roll with Thomas Greiss (10-11-11 record, .886 save percentage, 3.89 goals against average).
The Isles will continue looking for offensive production from John Tavares and Josh Bailey. Tavares (54 points) is up to 24 goals and 30 assists and has recorded two or more points on 15 separate occasions this year. Bailey has 12 goals and 38 assists to his name and has notched at least one point in 28 games.
New Jersey is 22-20 straight up (SU) and has netted 4.8 units for moneyline bettors this season. A total of 24 of its games have gone over the total, while 17 have gone under and just one has pushed. The Devils are 10-11 SU as a road team this season.
The Devils have scored on 21.8 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s good enough for sixth-best in the NHL. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 11th overall and it’s successfully defended 82.2 percent of all opponent power plays.
New Jersey’s players have been penalized 4.0 times per game in total this season, and 3.2 per game over their last five road outings. The team’s had to defend opponent power plays just 8.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Cory Schneider (2.74 goals against average and .915 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for New Jersey. Schneider is averaging 29.3 saves per game and owns an 18-15-6 record.
Taylor Hall (15 goals, 29 assists) has been one of the top playmakers on offense for the visiting Devils.
New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Devils, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes
Three of New Jersey’s last ten games have been decided by a shootout. The team is 1-2 in those games and 3-4 overall in shootouts this season.
The over has hit in three of New York’s last five outings.
New York has averaged 3.5 goals per game overall this season, but is averaging 5.7 per contest over its three-game win streak.
Seven of New York’s last ten games have been decided by two or more goals, and the team is 2-5 overall in those games.
