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Golden Knights vs. Islanders Prediction and Odds (Vegas Goes for 5 Straight Wins)

By Ben Heisler

Jonathan Marchessault and the Las Vegas Golden Knights look for their fifth consecutive victory when they head to Long Island to face the Islanders.
Jonathan Marchessault and the Las Vegas Golden Knights look for their fifth consecutive victory when they head to Long Island to face the Islanders. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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After hovering around .500 for the first few months of the NHL season, the Las Vegas Knights (19-11-0) have picked up the pace in December, going 7-2 over their last nine games.

They've won four in a row and wrap up their east coast four-game road trip Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. EST when they face the struggling New York Islanders (8-12-5) at UBS Arena. New York comes off a surprising victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday, but still needs to get on a roll to snap out of last place in the Metropolitan division of the Eastern Conference.

Can the Islanders pull off another moneyline upset at home against one of the top teams in the NHL?

Let's take a look at the latest odds for this today's matinee courtesy of WynnBET.

Golden Knights vs. Islanders Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Golden Knights -140
  • Islanders +120

Puck line:

  • Golden Knights -1.5 (+175)
  • Islanders +1.5 (-200)

Total:

  • 5.5 (Over +100 / Under -120)

Golden Knights vs. Islanders Betting Trends

  • Las Vegas is 4-0 in their last four games as a favorite on the road
  • New York is 8-3 in their last 11 games on Sundays
  • The UNDER is 4-0 in New York's last four games on two days rest
  • The OVER is 10-1 for Las Vegas vs. teams under .500
  • The UNDER is 23-5-2 in Islanders' last 30 games on Sundays

Golden Knights vs. Islanders Prediction and Pick

I'm tempted to back the Islanders on the moneyline in a early afternoon gritty matchup at home vs. a west coast team in the midst of a four game road trip.

Instead, I'll back the total, where WynnBET has already seen some movement towards the UNDER at 5.5 goals.

The Islanders under Barry Trotz have actually been solid in goals allowed this season at 73 in 25 games played; good enough for second best in the division. The problem is they're dead last in goals scored with 54 for a differential of minus-19. Part of that success is due to goaltender Ilya Sorokin standing on his head despite no help around him.

It will be a memorable return for Vegas goaltender Robin Lehner, who revitalized his career as a member of the Islanders back in the 2018-19 season. Lehner has earned a victory in his last three starts for the Golden Knights and is averaging just over three goals per game allowed this season.

Even if the Islanders play well, it doesn't set up to be a high scoring game, especially with Matt Barzal and Kyle Palmieri on the COVID-19 list. I'll back both goaltenders to stay hot.

PICK: UNDER 5.5 GOALS (-120)

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