NHL Picks: New York State Of Mind With Rangers And Isles In Action

What Went Right And Wrong

How did we do on our recent NHL Picks?

New Jersey lost a lead for the first time when leading after two periods. They lost a game in overtime. Hey, it happened. Six of the eight games we forecasted to go Over did go Over. Even the Arizona Coyotes scored three goals. 

Someone forgot to tell Montreal and Calgary goals were okay. However, that is going to happen. 

Enough looking back. Let’s peer into tonight’s schedule a bit.

Nashville Predators at New York Islanders

The Nashville Predators had not lost to the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center since 2015, and they continued that streak on Thursday night. However, the Predators come back and play an equally hot New York Islanders team tonight. 

This will be a challenge, to say the least, for the Predators. Expect Juuse Saros to get the night off after a hard-fought win on Thursday. Ilya Sorokin starts for the Islanders and has been the best goaltender this season, right up with Connor Hellebuyck. 

It was warned that the New York Islanders could be excellent if they got somewhat consistent goal-scoring. That has come to pass, and even Sorokin has already exceeded lofty expectations. 

With some injuries on the Islanders’ side of the equation, expect a bit more of a conservative game plan from both teams. That does not necessarily impede scoring. However, Ilya Sorokin can. He has saved 15 goals above average. That equates to nearly one per contest.

So, the Over is entrenched around -120 for 5.5 goals. This looks less likely to move, barring something unforeseen. That makes us a little worried, but the Under is at Even. If that stays even, consider a very tiny bet. Maybe. The Puckline at +165 remains a bit more attractive.

Ottawa Senators at New York Rangers

Here is the back end of a home-and-home from Wednesday night. The New York Rangers still sputtered around but held on for a crucial win over the lowly Ottawa Senators.

The home ice should help the New York Rangers on Friday night. Since the pandemic started, New York has defeated Ottawa four straight times and held them to just five goals. Ottawa often has issues scoring on the road and defending at times too. The Puckline has covered New York in back-to-back scenarios too.

Even the Puckline mentioned above is at +145. That is not an alarming number. This may be an Igor Shesterkin get-well game for the embattled goaltender too. So, look and see about the Under for Ottawa goals at 1.5. 

There are some solid wagers to consider in this clash. Bet small and think smartly. Setting up for Saturday is essential here. 

Some Additional Picks

• New York Rangers Puckline at +145
• Rangers, Islanders, and Jets all win at +275
• NY Islanders Puckline at +165 (Pass if this goes any lower)
• Winnipeg Jets Over 3.5 goals at -140 (Pass if this goes any lower)
• Regulation Bet: Jets to Win and Over 5.5 goals at +130

Good luck, and once again, thanks for reading! We will have a few more plays on social media as conditions warrant.

All odds today come from BetMGM Sportsbook.