In this article we will formulate a Penguins vs Islanders prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, October 9th at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 1-0-0 this year after they defeated the Rangers by a score of 3-0 on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh scored late in the first period to take the lead and added two insurance goals in the third for the shutout victory. The Penguins out shot New York by a total of 31-25, won 52.5% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh also recorded 22 hits and 20 blocked shots in the win. The Penguins got goals from Brazeau (2) and Lizotte, while Acciari, Brazeau, and Dewar all had four hits in the game. Arturs Silovs got the start in net and he stopped all 25 shots that he faced in the shutout win.
The Penguins were 34-36-12 last season and they finished with 80 points, which was seventh in the Metro Division and 13th in the Eastern Conference. Pittsburgh was another team that struggled for the majority of the season and finished with a -50 goal differential. The Penguins had some flashes of strong play last year and they did win three of their first five games, despite the blowout loss to this Rangers team to start the year. Pittsburgh scored 242 goals last season, which was ranked 18th in the NHL, while they allowed 287 goals against, which was ranked 29th.
New York Islanders Betting Preview
The New York Islanders went 35-35-12 last season and they finished with 82 points, which was sixth in the Metro Division and 12th in the Eastern Conference. New York started the season by losing seven of their first ten games, including a 5-4 overtime loss against Utah in their opener. The Islanders did struggle to end the season, as they lost 11 of their last 14 games, which killed their playoff hopes. Last year, New York scored 222 goals, which was ranked 27th in the NHL, while they allowed 257 goals against, which was ranked 20th.
In the preseason, New York went 2-4 overall, but did split their last four games. The Islanders got wins over the Rangers and Flyers, but lost against the Flyers, Devils (twice), and Rangers. New York battled for most of last year, but they have to be disappointed with how the season finished. The Islanders will be led by Horvat, Drouin, Barzal, and Palmieri, while Sorokin and Rittich will be their first and second string goalies.
Why the New York Islanders will win
- The Islanders have won five of their last six games against the Penguins.
- The Penguins have lost four of their last five games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last 10 home openers.
- The Islanders have covered the puck line in eight of their last 10 games at PPG Paints Arena against opponents on a winning streak.
- The Penguins have lost the second period in seven of their last eight games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents when tied after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Penguins’ last seven home games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Six of the Islanders’ last seven road games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the last six games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the last seven games between the Islanders and Penguins.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Islanders’ last seven road games against the Penguins.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Sidney Crosby has scored a goal in each of the Penguins’ last five night games at PPG Paints Arena.
- Rickard Rakell has recorded an assist in each of the Penguins’ last four night games at PPG Paints Arena.
- Rickard Rakell has recorded at least one point in 10 of the Penguins’ last 11 home games.
New York Islanders Player Prop Facts
- Kyle Palmieri has scored a goal in three of the Islanders’ last four games as road favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Mathew Barzal has recorded an assist in five of his last six appearances in road games.
- Bo Horvat has recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine road appearances against the Penguins.
Penguins vs Islanders Prediction
Pittsburgh was able to go on the road and pick up a very nice win over the Rangers to start the season on Tuesday and they will look to make it two in a row here. The Penguins played very strong defense in that game, but I am curious to see if they can continue that. New York has a lineup that should be high scoring, but we know they have struggled with scoring over the last few seasons. I think this Islanders team is the better team and while I do think it will be lower scoring, I like New York to get the win here.