Betsided

Penguins vs. Islanders Prediction and Odds (Bet Pittsburgh Pushing New York to Brink of Elimination)

By Matt De Saro

Pittsburgh Penguins v Arizona Coyotes
Pittsburgh Penguins v Arizona Coyotes / Christian Petersen/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally halted their losing streak at four games with an OT win over the Nashville Predators on Sunday. Their next test will be a road game tonight against the New York Islanders.

The Islanders are coming off a brutal 6-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues and look to get back on the winning side tonight. They are winners of five of their last seven games while the Penguins are 1-5 in their last six. 

Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Penguins vs. Islanders Odds and Total

Moneyline:

  • Penguins +110
  • Islanders -110

Puck line:

  • Penguins -1.5 (+225)
  • Islanders +1.5 (-280)

Total:

  • 5.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Penguins vs. Islanders Prediction and Pick

Both teams are in the hunt for the playoffs and, with just a couple of weeks left in the season, every win counts much more than usual. The Penguins are currently the No. 3 team in the Metropolitan Division with a four-point lead over the Washington Capitals.

Meanwhile, the Islanders are not technically eliminated from the playoffs, but their chances to make it in are very slim. They trail the Caps by 15 points and the Penguins by 19. It would take a miracle for them to earn a playoff berth. 

Despite the difference between these teams in terms of qualifying for the playoffs, the odds suggest this game is a toss-up. This is likely due to the fact that the Penguins are 3-7 straight up in their last ten games and will be without center Evgeni Malkin tonight. Malkin was suspended for the next four games after a brutal cross-check on Nashville’s Mark Borowiecki in the face.

But, even with all their current issues, the Penguins are the better team on paper. Even if they aren’t playing like it right now. Furthermore, the Penguins actually have something to play for while the Isles are just going through the motions before they are officially eliminated. Look for the Pens to build some momentum after Sunday’s win as they charge towards the playoffs. 

LEAN: Penguins -110 to win

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

Home/NHL Predictions & Picks