In this article, we will formulate a NY Islanders vs Utah Hockey Club prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, October 10th at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
NY Islanders Betting Preview
The New York Islanders were 39-27-16 last year and finished with 94 points, which was good for third in the Metropolitan Division. New York was in the very tight Eastern Conference playoff race, but they won eight of their last nine games to make the postseason. The Islanders played the Hurricanes in the first round, where they lost in five games. New York is expected to start Semyon Varlamov, who had a .918 save percentage last season. Mathew Barzal returns this year after scoring 23 goals and 57 assists last season.
New York went 4-2 in the preseason this year, as they defeated New Jersey (twice), Philadelphia, and the Rangers. The Islanders did win each of their last three preseason games and scored 14 goals in the three games.
Utah Hockey Club Betting Preview
The Utah Hockey Club is 1-0-0 this season after they defeated Chicago by a score of 5-2 in their first game. Utah jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second period, but they did allow the next two goals. Utah was barely hanging on late in the third, but they were able to add two late goals for the win. The Hockey Club outshot Chicago by a total of 27-26, recorded 20 hits, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Dylan Guenther led the way for Utah with two goals and five shots on goal, while Connor Ingram saved 24 out of 26 shots.
Utah went 5-2 in the preseason this year, as they picked up wins against St. Louis, Los Angeles, Colorado (twice), and San Jose. The Hockey Club lost to Vegas and Anaheim, but they did win three of their last four games. Connor Ingram is expected to be in the net once again here.
Why the Islanders will beat the Hockey Club
- The Islanders have won each of their last five games against Central Division opponents.
- The home team has covered the puck line in each of the Islanders’ last six games.
- The Islanders have won the third period in four of their last five home games against Central Division opponents.
Total Goals Facts
- Six of the Islanders’ last seven season openers have gone UNDER the total goal line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Islanders’ last six night games.
New York Islanders Player Prop Facts
- Kyle Palmieri has scored a goal in four of the Islanders’ last five night games at UBS Arena.
- Mathew Barzal has recorded at least one assist in four of the Islanders’ last five games against Central Division opponents.
- Kyle Palmieri has recorded a point in each of the Islanders’ last eight Thursday home games.
Utah Hockey Club Player Prop Facts
- Dylan Guenther has scored a goal in four of his last five appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Nick Bjugstad has recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine appearances in night games.
- Michael Kesselring has recorded an assist in each of his last four appearances.
NY Islanders vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction
Utah has the benefit of playing a game already this season, but New York will have the home-ice advantage. The Islanders played very well to end the season last year and will look to carry that momentum into this game. Utah was able to get the win in their first game, but Chicago did carry the pace of play for a decent amount of time. Utah had the benefit of home ice in their first game as an NHL team, but I think they are going to struggle here. Take the Islanders to get the win.