Penguins vs. Islanders Prediction
The New York Islanders prevailed in overtime of Game 1 two nights ago in their quarterfinals series with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Can New York win again at home tonight to go up 2-0 in the best-of-7 series?
Game Snapshot
53 Pittsburgh Penguins at 54 New York Islanders
Friday, April 12, 2019
Barclay’s Center at 7:30PM ET
TV: NBCSN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Penguins are a -125 favorite on the moneyline. The Islanders are a +105 underdog, while the total is set at 5.5 goals. As of Friday morning, 74 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting Pittsburgh. Check out our NHL Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Penguins fall short on road
Pittsburgh lost 4-3 on the road Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at the Islanders. The Penguins evened the score at 1-1 with 14:18 left in the first period on a Phil Kessel goal assisted by Dominik Simon and Brian Dumoulin. Pittsburgh fell behind 2-1 later in the first period, but evened it up on an Evgeni Malkin power play goal with 6:19 left in the second period with assists going to Justin Schultz and Kessel. New York again took the lead at 3-2 in the third before the Penguins tied it up with 1:29 remaining on a Schultz goal assisted by Kris Letang and Kessel. Matt Murray made 29 saves on 33 shots in the defeat.
Bailey wins it in OT
Josh Bailey scored 4:39 into overtime Wednesday night to secure New York’s 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh. The goal was assisted by Mathew Barzal and gave the Islanders a 1-0 series lead. Jordan Eberle scored 1:40 into the game to put New York on the board first with assists courtesy of Anders Lee and Adam Pelech. After Pittsburgh tied the score, the Islanders went ahead 2-1 on a Brock Nelson power play goal later in the first off assists by Eberle and Devon Toews. The game went back even at 2-2 through two periods, but New York took the lead again with 7:25 left in the third period on a Nick Leddy goal on assists by Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov. Robin Lehner allowed three goals on 44 shots to secure the victory.
NHL Betting Trends
Pittsburgh
The home team is 5-2 in the last seven meetings. Pittsburgh is 5-2 in its last seven games on one day of rest.
New York
The Islanders are 5-1 in their last six games overall. New York is 5-2 in its last seven home games.
Prediction:
The Islanders withstood the explosive Pittsburgh offense and took Game 1, with oddsmakers seemingly expecting the Penguins to even it up tonight. But the New York defense can slow down even the best teams up front and Lehner has been in a zone all season. While I’d expect Pittsburgh to bounce back at home, I think New York has a great opportunity to go up 2-0 in this series.
NHL DAILY PREDICTION: NEW YORK ISLANDERS +105