A couple of teams currently on losing streaks, the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders take the ice at the Barclays Center for a divisional matchup. The first puck will drop at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 18, and you are able to view the game live on MSG Network.
Carolina Hurricanes at New York Islanders Odds
New York heads into the game as the slight favorite with a moneyline of -115. The line for Carolina sits at -105, and the Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 7 goals (-120 money on the under, +100 on the over).
The Islanders are 30-41 straight up (SU) and have recorded -11.2 units for moneyline bettors this year. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 41-41 record that the team managed during the 2016-17 season campaign. Through 71 regular season contests, 43 of its games have gone over the total, while 25 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 16-17 SU at home this year.
New York’s converted on 21.2 percent of its power play chances this season, a mark that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated 32nd overall, and it’s successfully killed off 74.5 percent of all penalties.
New York, as a collective unit, has been penalized just 3.4 times per game overall this season, and 2.6 per game over its last five home outings. The team’s had to kill penalties for 8.9 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, overall.
With a .906 save percentage and 29.6 saves per game, Jaroslav Halak (18-31-6) has been the top goalkeeper for the Islanders this year. If they choose to give him a rest, however, the team could roll with Thomas Greiss (12-12-12 record, .891 save percentage, 3.84 goals against average).
The Isles will continue to lean on the leadership via Mathew Barzal and John Tavares. Barzal (72 points) has put up 19 goals and 53 assists and has recorded two or more points in 15 different games this year. Tavares has 32 goals and 38 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 40 contests.
Carolina is 30-41 straight up (SU) and has lost 15.1 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 71 regular season contests, 38 of its games have gone under the total, while 30 have gone over and just two have pushed. Carolina’s 14-21 SU as the away team this season.
Carolina has converted on 19.5 percent of its power play chances this season, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 23rd overall and it’s successfully killed off 78.2 percent of all penalties.
Carolina’s players have been penalized only 2.8 times per game this season, 2.6 per game over their past five match ups total, and 2.4 per game over their last five games as the visiting team. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays just 5.4 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Cam Ward (24.8 saves per game) has been the primary option in the net for Carolina. Ward owns a 19-19-4 record, while registering a .904 save percentage and 2.78 goals against average this year.
Teuvo Teravainen (21 goals, 36 assists) has been one of the most vital offensive playmakers for the visiting Hurricanes.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders Betting Picks
Free NHL Tip: SU Winner – Islanders, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes
The total has gone over in four of New York’s last five outings.
The Hurricanes have averaged the league’s fifth-most shots on goal (34.2) and New York has attempted just the 23rd-most (31.0).
Penalties and power plays could play a key role in tonight’s game. The Hurricanes are 16-24 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 24-34 in games where they serve fewer than 10 total penalty minutes. The Islanders are 11-22 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than the opposition and 19-31 when they’re in the box for less than 10 minutes.
Two of New York’s last ten games have ended in a shootout. The team is 0-2 in those games and 3-3 overall in shootouts this year.
New York skaters have created 6.2 takeaways per game over its last five home games, right in line with its season average of 6.4 takeaways per game (ranked 22nd overall).
Carolina has allowed 3.1 goals per game overall this year, but is giving up 5.3 goals per match up over its last three games (0-3 SU over that span).
One of the best at disrupting their opponents, Carolina is ranked second overall with 11.2 takeaways per game. That figure has trended lower lately, however, as it’s managed 9.7 takeaways over its last 10 games and 8.8 takeaways over its last five.
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