Islanders vs Canadiens prediction NHL Picks Free 4/12

© David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Game Preview: Canadiens vs. Islanders

The Montreal Canadiens (31-43-6) will take on the New York Islanders (41-31-9) in an exciting NHL matchup on April 12, 2023. The Islanders will be looking to extend their three-game home winning streak as they welcome the Canadiens to Elmont, New York. The NHL experts and computer models have been busy making their NHL picks and predictions for this game. The experts have been analyzing the teams' performances, player statistics, and head-to-head matchups to determine the best NHL bets and nhl picks with spread. The Islanders have had a successful season so far, with a 24-13-3 record in home games. They have scored 238 goals and given up 215 for a +23 scoring differential. In contrast, the Canadiens have struggled with a 14-23-3 record in away games and a 31-43-6 record overall. Both teams have their share of injuries, with several players out for the season or day-to-day. The experts and computer models have taken these factors into account when making their NHL picks and parlay for this game. This will be the third meeting between the two teams this season, with the Islanders winning the previous matchup 2-1. However, anything can happen on the ice in the NHL, and both teams will be fighting hard for the win. Don't miss out on the excitement of this NHL matchup. Tune in to see who comes out on top and whether the NHL today experts and predictions were accurate.

Canadiens: Offensive Analysis

The Montreal Canadiens have struggled offensively this season, and it's unlikely to change in their upcoming game against the New York Islanders. With a record of 31-43-6, the Canadiens ranked eighth in the Atlantic Division, scoring only 178 goals in the entire season. The Islanders, on the other hand, have a solid defense, conceding only 215 goals, whereas the Canadiens have given up 290. This stark contrast in defensive capabilities suggests that the Canadiens offense will struggle to make a mark in the game. Nicholas Suzuki has been the Canadiens' most productive player this season with 24 goals and 40 assists, followed by Brendan Gallagher with four goals and an assist in the last ten games. However, the Islanders' defense, led by Mathew Barzal, is expected to be formidable enough to nullify the Canadiens' offensive threat. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Canadiens will be able to generate a significant offense in their game against the Islanders. Although NHL picks experts and computer predictions may suggest a competitive game, it is best to avoid nhl picks and parlay bets on the Canadiens given their offensive struggles and the Islanders' solid defense.

Canadiens: Defensive Analysis

The Montreal Canadiens will need to rely heavily on their defense as they take on the New York Islanders on April 12, 2023. With a 31-43-6 record this season, the Canadiens have struggled to find consistency. However, they have some key players on defense who can make a difference in this game. One such player is Jeff Petry, who has been a reliable defenseman for the Canadiens this season. Petry has 31 points in 76 games, and he is a key penalty killer for the team. He also leads the team in hits, with 137, and blocks, with 141. Petry's experience and leadership will be crucial for the Canadiens as they look to slow down the Islanders' offense. Another player to watch on defense for the Canadiens is Ben Chiarot. Chiarot has been a physical force on the blue line, with 122 hits and 103 blocked shots in 67 games. He is also a key penalty killer for the Canadiens, and his toughness will be important against the Islanders. Finally, the Canadiens have a solid goaltending duo in Jake Allen and Carey Price. While Price is currently out with a knee injury, Allen has been a reliable backup this season, with a 3.23 goals against average and a .901 save percentage in 12 games. If the Canadiens can limit the Islanders' shots and give Allen some support, they have a chance to steal a win on the road. Overall, the Canadiens will need a strong defensive effort to have any chance against the Islanders. They will need to limit the Islanders' scoring chances, play physical, and rely on their goaltending to keep them in the game. If they can do that, they have a chance to pull off the upset and pick up a crucial win late in the season.

Islanders: Offense Analysis

In this upcoming game against the Montreal Canadiens, the New York Islanders will be relying heavily on their offensive firepower to secure a victory. Despite a somewhat lackluster record in their last 10 games, the Islanders have shown flashes of brilliance on offense, averaging three goals per game during this stretch. Leading the charge for the Islanders is Anders Lee, who has racked up an impressive 27 goals and 22 assists so far this season. His scoring prowess will be crucial in this game as the team looks to extend their three-game home winning streak. Brock Nelson has also been on a hot streak, scoring four goals and four assists in the last 10 games. He will need to continue this level of production if the Islanders hope to come out on top against the Canadiens. The experts at NHL picks and computer predictions are favoring the Islanders in this matchup, and for good reason. With a +23 scoring differential and a solid record at home, the Islanders have the offensive weapons necessary to take down the struggling Canadiens. Montreal has struggled on the road this season, with a 14-23-3 record away from home. Additionally, the team has been plagued with injuries, with several key players ruled out for the remainder of the season. This should make it easier for the Islanders to dominate on offense and secure the victory. Overall, the Islanders offense looks primed to take control of this game and lead the team to victory. Fans and bettors alike should keep an eye on Anders Lee and Brock Nelson, who have the potential to light up the scoreboard and lead the Islanders to a comfortable win. Best NHL bets today are on the Islanders, with favorable odds and a strong showing on offense expected.

Islanders: Defensive Analysis

When it comes to defense, the Islanders have been a solid team throughout the season, ranking in the top 10 of the NHL in goals allowed per game. Led by goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who has a 2.12 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, the Islanders are a tough team to score against. Although they are without Mathew Barzal and Alexander Romanov, the Islanders still have a strong defensive core consisting of Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech, and Ryan Pulock. The Canadiens have struggled to score goals this season and will face a tough challenge against the Islanders. The Islanders have only given up 24.2 shots per game, which is the best in the NHL. Montreal will need to create scoring chances and capitalize on their opportunities if they want to win this game. The Islanders also have a strong penalty kill, which is the fourth-best in the NHL. Montreal has struggled on the power play this season, ranking 27th in the league, and will need to improve if they want to have success against the Islanders. Overall, the Islanders have a strong defensive unit, and Montreal will have to work hard to generate scoring chances in this game. With the Islanders looking to extend their home win streak, it is likely they will be motivated to shut down the Canadiens’ offense and come away with a win. NHL picks experts and NHL picks computer predictions are likely to favor the Islanders in this matchup, and it will be interesting to see if Montreal can overcome the Islanders’ defensive prowess.

Injury Report

Both the New York Islanders and the Montreal Canadiens are dealing with a slew of injuries ahead of their matchup on April 12, 2023. For the Islanders, Alexander Romanov is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, Mathew Barzal is out with a lower body injury, and Oliver Wahlstrom is out for the remainder of the season with a lower body injury. The Canadiens, on the other hand, have a long list of injured players. David Savard is day-to-day with a lower body injury, Christian Dvorak and Kaiden Guhle are out for the season with lower body injuries, Sean Monahan is out for the season with a groin injury, Josh Anderson is out with a lower body injury, Carey Price is out with a knee injury, Juraj Slafkovsky is out with a lower-body injury, Alex Belzile and Arber Xhekaj are out for the season with leg and upper-body injuries respectively. Jake Allen is day-to-day with a lower body injury, Paul Byron is out with a hip injury, Cole Caufield is out for the season with a shoulder injury, Jordan Harris is day-to-day with a lower body injury, and Kirby Dach is out with an upper body injury. 

Prediction

Based on the information provided, the Canadiens may cover the +1.5 spread against the Islanders as the Islanders have struggled against them this season. While the Canadiens have struggled offensively this season, they have a strong defense led by players like Jeff Petry and Ben Chiarot, and a solid goaltending duo in Jake Allen and Carey Price. In contrast, the Islanders' offense, led by Anders Lee and Brock Nelson, will need to continue their production to secure a victory. The Canadiens have also won one of their two previous meetings with the Islanders this season. Additionally, the Islanders have some key players like Mathew Barzal and Alexander Romanov out with injuries, while the Canadiens have a long list of injured players as well. Overall, with the Canadiens' defensive capabilities and the Islanders' struggles against them this season, the Canadiens may be able to cover the +1.5 spread in this matchup.

Pick: Canadiens +1.5