Islanders vs. Penguins Prediction
The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a 2-0 deficit as they head home this afternoon for Game 3 against the New York Islanders in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. Can Pittsburgh get on the board in the series with a much-needed win today?
Game Snapshot
21 New York Islanders at 22 Pittsburgh Penguins
Sunday, April 14, 2019
PPG Paints Arena at 12:05PM ET
TV: NBC
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Penguins are a -185 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Islanders are a +160 underdog, while the total is set at 5.5 points. As of Sunday morning, 61 percent of public bets are siding with host Pittsburgh. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Islanders clamp down in Game 2
New York secured a 3-1 victory and a 2-0 series lead over Pittsburgh Friday night with a home victory. After the Penguins broke a scoreless tie midway through the second period, the Islanders scored three unanswered goals the rest of the way. Anthony Beauvillier tied it up at 1-1 with 6:35 left in the second on a goal assisted by Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle. With 12:06 to go in the third period, Eberle broke the tie on a goal assisted by Barzal and Johnny Boychuk. Josh Bailey added an insurance goal at the 8:22 mark on the power play with assists going to Anders Lee and Devon Toews. Robin Lehner accounted for 32 saves on 33 shots in the winning effort.
Penguins slowed down again
The offense for Pittsburgh was stagnated in the Game 2 3-1 loss to the Islanders as it fell into a 2-0 series deficit. Erik Gudbranson gave the Penguins a 1-0 advantage with 9:24 remaining in the second period with an assist given to Evgeni Malkin. But the Penguins could not find the back of the net again on any of their 33 shots as New York scored three unanswered goals the rest of the way. Phil Kessel led Pittsburgh with seven shots in the losing effort. Matt Murray made 31 saves on 34 shots in the defeat.
NHL Betting Trends
New York
The Islanders are 4-1 in their last four road games. New York is 4-1 in its last five games as an underdog.
Pittsburgh
The Penguins are 27-10 in their last 37 Sunday games. Pittsburgh is 115-51 in its last 166 games as a home favorite.
Prediction:
Expect the Penguins to play with a lot of desperation here as a 3-0 series deficit would basically be the kiss of death. At home in front of a boisterous crowd should create positive vibes for a Pittsburgh squad searching for any sort of magic. If New York wins a game in Pittsburgh, I’m thinking it has a better possibility in Game 4. Look for the Penguins to get a game back this afternoon.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH PENGUINS -185