In this article we will formulate a Penguins vs Islanders prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, March 18th 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 28-31-10 this year after they defeated New Jersey by a score of 7-3 in their last game. Pittsburgh saw their lead cut from 4-1 to 4-3 in the third period, but they scored the last three goals in the game for the win. The Penguins were outshot by a total of 27-23, won 55% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Dewar (2), Hayes, Heinen, Rakell, Tomasino, and Karlsson, while Jarry stopped 24 out of 27 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Penguins defeated the Blues by a score of 5-3 and the Golden Knights by a score of 3-2. Pittsburgh has won four games in a row and they are currently second to last in the Metro standings with 66 points. Pittsburgh has scored 2.91 goals per game and they have allowed 3.55 goals against per game, while also going 24.3% on the power play and 77.2% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with 23 goals, 50 assists, and 186 shots on goal, while Rickard Rakell has added 31 goals, 28 assists, and 171 shots on goal. Tristan Jarry is 12-8-4 with a 3.14 goals against average and an .894 save percentage this season.
New York Islanders Betting Preview
The New York Islanders are 30-28-8 this season after they defeated Florida by a score of 4-2 in their last game. New York trailed 2-0 in the third period, but they scored four goals in the third for the win. The Islanders outshot Florida by a total of 34-24, won 45.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Gatcomb, Holmstrom, Tsyplakov, and Dobson, while Sorokin stopped 22 out of 24 shots in the win.
Prior to that game, the Islanders lost to the Oilers by a score of 2-1 and the Kings by a score of 4-1. New York has lost three of their last four games and they are currently sixth in the Metro standings with 68 points. New York has scored 2.68 goals per game and they have allowed 2.96 goals against per game, while also going 11.5% on the power play and 70.6% on the penalty kill this season. Anders Lee has led New York with 25 goals, 21 assists, and 184 shots on goal, while Bo Horvat has added 21 goals, 23 assists, and 197 shots on goal. Ilya Sorokin is 25-20-5 with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage this year.
Why the Penguins will beat the Islanders
- The Islanders have lost each of their last seven Tuesday road games.
- The Penguins have won each of their last four games.
- The home team has covered the puck line in eight of the Islanders’ last nine games.
- The Islanders have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six road games.
- The Islanders have lost the first period in each of their last six games at PPG Paints Arena.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Penguins’ last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Islanders’ last four road games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Three of the last four games between teams from the same division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Islanders’ last six games at PPG Paints Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the last six games between the Islanders and Penguins.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Rickard Rakell has scored at least one goal in four of the Penguins’ last five home games.
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one assist in 14 of the Penguins’ last 16 home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one point in each of the Penguins’ last 10 home games.
New York Islanders Player Prop Facts
- Anthony Duclair has scored a goal in three of his last four appearances against the Penguins.
- Mathew Barzal has recorded an assist in five of his last six road appearances after playing less than 20 minutes in the Islanders’ last game.
- Bo Horvat has recorded at least one point in seven of his last eight appearances at PPG Paints Arena.
Penguins vs Islanders Prediction
Pittsburgh comes into this matchup playing some of their best hockey of the season and they will be at home for this game. The Penguins are 17-13-5 at home this year, while the Islanders are 14-15-5 on the road. Pittsburgh has won four games in a row and they have scored 12 goals in their last two games. New York snapped a three-game losing streak with a strong third period against Florida last time out, but their offense continues to be a big problem. I don’t love either team in this matchup, but Pittsburgh has played well against four decent teams in a row. Take the Penguins at home here.