Rangers vs. Islanders Prediction and Odds: Stay Away from Depleted Islanders at Home

The New York Islanders have been decimated by COVID-19, but the NHL says their games will go on. As a result, they'll be putting together a group largely made up of AHL players tonight when they host the Rangers in the battle of New York.

This couldn't happen at a worse time for the Islanders, who have lost six straight games and are 0-2 in their brand new UBS Arena. They have a tall order in front of them tonight in a Rangers team that's 11-4-3 through their first 18 games this season.

Here's a look at the odds for the battle of New York, courtesy of WynnBET.

Rangers vs. Islanders Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Rangers -115
• Islanders +105

Puck line:

• Rangers -1.5 (+210)
• Islanders +1.5 (-250)

Total:

• 5.5 (Over +105/Under -125)

Rangers vs. Islanders Prediction and Pick

With the Islanders having so many players out due to COVID-19 protocol, they're almost impossible to bet on in tonight's spot.

Not only are they missing guys like Josh Bailey and Anders Lee due to COVID, but Brock Nelson is out for a number of weeks due to an injury as well. Their top players are sidelined tonight, and now they face their rival in the Rangers. The Islanders were outshot 40-20 by the Maple Leafs on Sunday with a depleted roster, so it's tough to imagine how they can squeak out a win tonight.

I'll back the Rangers at -115 tonight.

Pick: Rangers -115