Two of the least-penalized clubs in the National Hockey League, the New York Islanders and the first-year Vegas Golden Knights collide at T-Mobile Arena in an East-West tilt. Sportsnet ONE will air the matchup, and the action gets going at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 25.
New York Islanders vs. Vegas Golden Knights Odds
Vegas (-200) is currently the favorite over New York (+170), and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 7 goals. The odds for betting the total stand at -130 for the under and +110 for the over.
Earning moneyline bettors 21.1 units, Vegas is 32-15 straight up (SU) overall this year. Of its 47 games this season, 26 have gone over the total, while 19 have gone under and just two have pushed. The team’s 19-4 SU at home this year.
The Golden Knights have converted on 18.8 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked ninth overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 82.7 percent of all penalties.
The Golden Knights, as a collective unit, have been called for penalties just 3.3 times per game overall this season, 3.2 per game over their past five games total, and 3.0 per game over their last five at home. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays for just 6.6 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, overall.
Averaging 29.5 saves per game with a .944 save percentage, Marc-Andre Fleury (12-5-2) has been the top option in goal for the Knights this year. If Vegas decides to rest him, however, the team may go with Malcolm Subban (12-3-3 record, .914 save percentage, 2.49 goals against average).
The Knights will continue relying on offensive production from Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson. Marchessault (46 points) has put up 17 goals and 29 assists and has recorded multiple points on 12 different occasions this year. Karlsson has 27 goals and 15 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 28 games.
On the other side of the rink, New York is 24-25 straight up (SU) and has lost 2.2 units for moneyline bettors thus far. A total of 32 of its games have gone over the total, while 14 have gone under and just three have pushed. The Islanders are 11-15 SU as the road team this season.
The Islanders have converted on 20.3 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 30th overall and it’s successfully killed off 73.8 percent of all opponent power plays.
New York’s skaters have been penalized only 3.6 times per game in total this season, and 4.2 per game over their last five on the road. The team’s had to stave off opponent power plays just 8.4 minutes per game over their last five outings.
Jaroslav Halak (.906 save percentage and 3.23 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for New York. Halak is averaging 29.6 saves per game and has 14 wins, 18 losses, and three overtime losses to his credit.
John Tavares (26 goals, 31 assists) and Josh Bailey (12 goals, 42 assists) have been the top playmakers for New York and will pace the attack for the visiting Islanders.
New York Islanders at Vegas Golden Knights Betting Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Golden Knights, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes
Vegas is 2-2 in games decided by a shootout this season while New York is 3-1 in shootouts.
The over has hit in three of Vegas’ last five games.
Seven of New York’s last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-5 in those games.
