Two teams squaring off for the second time this year, the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers meet at Madison Square Garden in a Metropolitan Division matchup. The opening face-off takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, and it can be viewed live on MSG Network.
New York Islanders at New York Rangers Odds
Losing 0.5 units for moneyline bettors, the Rangers are 22-20 straight up (SU) overall thus far. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 48-34 record that the team posted during last years regular season campaign. Through 42 regular season contests, 21 of their games have gone over the total, while 19 have gone under and just two have pushed. The team is 15-10 SU at home this year.
The Rangers have converted on 18.5 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated fifth overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 83.7 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, the Rangers have been penalized just 3.6 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over their last five home outings. The team has had to kill penalties for just 7.4 minutes per game over their last 10 matchups, in total.
With a .924 save percentage and 29.5 saves per game, Henrik Lundqvist (19 wins, 16 losses, and four OT losses) has been the primary option in goal for the Rangers this year. If they, however, decide to give him the day off, the team might go with Ondrej Pavelec (3-7-7 record, .926 save percentage, 2.55 goals against average).
Mats Zuccarello and J.T. Miller will each lead the way for the Rangers. Zuccarello (31 points) has tallied eight goals and 23 assists and has recorded two or more points six times this year. Miller has eight goals and 19 assists to his name and has notched a point in 20 games.
the Islanders are 21-22 straight up (SU) and have lost 2.8 units for moneyline bettors thus far. A total of 28 of their games have gone over the total, while 12 have gone under and just three have pushed. New York’s 8-14 SU as the away team this season.
The Islanders have converted on 20.8 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that’s good enough for ninth-best in the NHL. On the other hand, their penalty kill unit is ranked 29th overall and they’ve successfully defended 74.1 percent of all penalties.
Islanders skaters have been whistled for penalties 3.7 times per game this season, and 5.0 per game over their last five on the road. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays a whopping 13.8 minutes per game over their last five outings.
Jaroslav Halak (28.7 saves per game) has been the primary option in the net for the Islanders. Halak owns a 12-15-2 record, while registering a .904 save percentage and 3.24 goals against average this year.
John Tavares (22 goals, 29 assists) and Josh Bailey (12 goals, 38 assists) have been the top playmakers for the team and will lead the attack for the visitors.
New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Islanders, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
- Four of the Rangers last ten games have ended in a shootout. The team is 2-2 in those games and 3-4 overall in shootouts this season.
- Seven of the Islanders last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 1-6 in those games.
