Islanders vs Bruins: Expert NHL Picks and Predictions February 18th, 2023

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

The New York Islanders hit the road and will visit the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on Saturday. These teams already faced each other twice this season and the Bruins have won both games.

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders have had a bit of a rocky season so far, but they managed to snap their three-game losing streak with a win in their last game. This win has given them a much-needed boost in confidence, and they will try to keep this momentum going when they face off against the Boston Bruins.

If the Islanders can secure a win over the Bruins, it will mark their second win in a row and their fifth win in their last eight games. This would be a significant achievement for a team that has struggled to find consistency this season.

New York's offense has been somewhat lackluster this season, with an average of 2.88 goals per game. However, they managed to score five goals on 28 shots in their last game, indicating that their offensive players are starting to find their groove.

Brock Nelson and Anders Lee were the stars of the last game, both contributing two goals and an assist for the Islanders. Zach Parise also managed to find the back of the net, while Mathew Barzal provided two assists.

Defensively, the Islanders have played well this season, giving up an average of 2.70 goals per game. However, they did give up four goals in their last game, and they will need to tighten up their defense if they want to secure a win against the Bruins.

In terms of goaltending, Ilya Sorokin has been a reliable presence for the Islanders this season. In the last game, Sorokin faced 44 shots and managed to save 40 of them. He currently holds a 17-17-5 record in 41 games, with a 2.40 goals against average (GAA) and a .923 save percentage. With Sorokin in net, the Islanders have a chance to win any game.

Overall, the Islanders will need to bring their A-game if they want to secure a win against the Bruins. Boston is a formidable opponent, and the Islanders will need to play with intensity and focus if they want to come out on top. However, with their recent win and a reliable goaltender, the Islanders have reason to be optimistic about their chances.

Boston Bruins

the Boston Bruins are looking fierce heading into their next game against the New York Islanders. They are riding a two-game winning streak and are determined to keep their momentum going with a win over the Islanders that would secure them their third win in a row.

Boston's offense is in top form, currently averaging 3.69 goals per game. In their last game, the Bruins managed to score five goals on just 30 shots, showcasing their efficiency in front of the net.

Leading the charge for the Bruins is the ever-talented Brad Marchand, who contributed a goal and an assist in the last game. His linemate Patrice Bergeron also found the back of the net, while Nick Foligno provided two assists.

However, it's not just the Bruins' offense that is performing well; their defense is among the best in the league, currently giving up an average of just 2.07 goals per game. In their last game, the Bruins didn't concede a single goal and will be looking to replicate that defensive effort against the Islanders.

In net, the Bruins have found a gem in Jeremy Swayman, who saved all 28 shots he faced in the last game. Swayman boasts an impressive 13-4-4 record in 23 games, with a 2.21 goals against average (GAA) and a .918 save percentage. With a goaltender like Swayman, the Bruins have a solid foundation to build their defensive efforts on.

The Bruins are a team on a mission, and their recent winning streak is proof of that. They are playing with a sense of purpose and determination that is hard to ignore. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, and their defense is rock solid. It's clear that this team is a force to be reckoned with in the league.

However, they will be facing a tough opponent in the Islanders. New York has struggled at times this season, but they are coming off a much-needed win and will be looking to build on that momentum. The Bruins will need to be at their very best to secure a win against the Islanders.

INJURIES: Jake DeBrusk is questionable for this game.

BETTING TRENDS

The total has gone UNDER in 12 of NY Islanders' last 18 games.

NY Islanders are 6-13 SU in their last 19 games.

NY Islanders are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Islanders' last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston.

NY Islanders are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference conference.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games.

Boston are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games.

Boston are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games at home.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders.

Prediction

The New York Islanders have had a tough go of it lately, dropping three of their last four games. Despite the losses, however, they have been solid offensively, averaging an impressive 3.7 goals per game over their last five outings. Unfortunately for the Islanders, their struggles on the road have continued, and things aren't likely to get any easier for them in their upcoming matchup against the Boston Bruins, who currently hold the top spot in the NHL.

The Bruins are absolutely dominating this season, and their home record is nothing short of incredible. With a stunning 22-2-3 record at home, the Bruins are clearly the team to beat on their own ice. Adding to the challenge for the Islanders is the fact that the Bruins have been absolutely impenetrable on defense, allowing less than 2 goals per game over their last ten matchups.

This game is shaping up to be a real mismatch, and it's hard to see the Islanders coming away with a win. The Bruins are simply too strong on both ends of the ice, and they have the home advantage as well. The Islanders may have been putting up impressive numbers offensively, but they are likely to struggle against the top-ranked defense in the NHL.

In short, this game is a no-brainer for anyone looking to make a bet. The Bruins are simply too dominant right now, and the Islanders simply don't have the firepower to compete. Look for the Bruins to get an easy win on their home ice, and for the Islanders to continue their struggles on the road.

PICK: Bruins -1.5 (-110) 

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