In this article, we will formulate a Rangers vs Islanders prediction for this NHL game on Monday, March 3rd at the
Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
New York Islanders Betting Preview
The New York Islanders (27-25-7, 30-29 ATS) were on a four-game losing skid, their longest losing run of the season, but managed to avoid the fifth loss in a row with a 2-1 road victory over the Boston Bruins. The Islanders then defeated the Nashville Predators 7-4 at home – the highest amount of goals they scored this season. New York is 7th in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 61 points, three behind the city rivals Rangers and 23 behind the leaders Washington Capitals.
The Islanders score 2.76 goals per game on average (25th), while they concede 2.97 GPG (17th). This season, Anders Lee and Bo Horvat are the team’s top performers with 42 points apiece. Brock Nelson has 41 points (19 G and 22 A), while Kyle Palmieri chips in 40 points (19 G and 21 A).
Ilya Sorokin (22-18-4) is expected to start for the Islanders at the goal on Monday against the Rangers. The 29-year-old is allowing 2.79 goals per game this year with a .904 SV% and three shutouts.
New York Rangers Betting Preview
The New York Rangers (30-26-4, 25-35 ATS) are playing well at the moment; they won six of the previous nine games and three of the last four. The Rangers beat the Penguins, Islanders, and Predators, while they lost to the Maple Leafs during that stretch. New York is 5th in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 64 points, 20 behind the Washington Capitals, who are 1st.
The Rangers average 3.02 goals per game this year (14th), while they allow 3.10 GPG (21st). Artemi Panarin leads the team with 61 points (24 G and 37 A). Adam Fox contributes 48 points (5 G and 43 A), while Mika Zibanejad has 44 points (13 G and 31 A).
Igor Shesterkin (20-21-2) will take his place between the sticks for the Rangers against the Islanders on Monday. The 29-year-old is conceding 2.94 goals per contest this season with a .904 SV% and three shutouts.
Why the Rangers will beat the Islanders
- The Rangers have won nine of their last 10 home games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Islanders have lost each of their last four games at Madison Square Garden.
- The Rangers have covered the puck line in each of their last four games.
- The Islanders have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Islanders have lost the third period in each of their last 12 games as road underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents when leading after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Rangers’ last six games against the Islanders following a win has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the last six games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division has gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Islanders’ last four games as underdogs against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back has gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Rangers’ last nine games as favorites against the Islanders.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in three of the Islanders’ last four games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The New York Rangers rank 4th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.39%).
- The New York Rangers rank T2nd in the league in short-handed goals this season (10).
- The New York Islanders rank 32nd in the league in power play percentage this season (11.51%).
- The New York Islanders rank 29th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (71.65%).
Islanders vs Rangers Prediction
The Rangers have been quite successful in recent H2H duels, winning five of the previous six encounters, including the last three, and both this season. The Rangers scored five goals in each of those two H2Hs this season, but I think three or four would do the trick in this one. The Islanders are not a high-scoring team and seven goals against Nashville is an anomaly – it’s not going to happen on Monday against the Rangers. I am backing the Rangers to secure a W.