ny islanders vs tampa bay odds betting

NHL Odds Report on NY Islanders at Tampa Bay

Written by on March 24, 2016

At this late stage of the NHL season, there are a few teams who have found themselves dragged into rather uncomfortable situations, some of which have come as a surprise given how cozy things looked just a couple of weeks ago. The New York Islanders are a prime example of that, as they have now slipped into the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, and are only 4 points ahead of the chasing pack. They looked like a lock for a playoff spot just a couple of weeks back, but a late surge from the Pittsburgh Penguins has forced the Islanders down the Metropolitan Division and into the precarious position they find themselves in now. Things could get even nervier for them on Friday night, as they have to head to Tampa to face a Lightning team that is currently leading the way, albeit by the slimmest margin possible, in the Atlantic Division. This is a game with a ton of playoff implications, and you can wager on it at MyBookie online sportsbook.

NHL Odds Report on NY Islanders at Tampa Bay and Game Info

When: Friday, March 25, 7:30 PM ET Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa TV: TVA Stream: NHL.tv Radio: NY Islanders / Tampa Bay Opening NHL Lines: Lightning favored by TBA

Why Bet on the New York Islanders

Let’s not try and sugar coat this in any way, the Islanders (39-24-9) have played themselves into some real trouble. Prior to their win over the Ottawa Senators earlier this week, the Islanders had been on a run that had seen them lose 6 of 7 games. That is not the sort of run you can go on if you have any hope of making it into the playoffs. They have what looks to be a pretty favorable schedule the rest of the way, but the Islanders have to find a way to light a fire under an offense that has gone cold. In those 6 losses I mentioned earlier the Islanders only managed 8 goals, and that sort of output will not hack it against a Lightning team that knows how to score. The good news is that the Islanders already have a win over Tampa this season. New York are averaging 2.7 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.

Why Bet on the Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning (42-26-5) are currently in a tie for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, but they have a real opportunity to wrestle away control with a 6-game home stand. They have already won their first game of that batch, and have now improved to 5-4-1 in their last 10 games. Tampa have been great at home this season, boasting a 22-11-3 record heading into this one. They have lost 3 straight games to the Islanders, though, and are well aware that this is not going to be one of the easier games on their remaining schedule. Overall, though, the Lightning have a respectable 12-7-0 record versus teams from the Metropolitan Division this season. Tampa Bay are averaging 2.7 GPG, and are giving up 2.3 GPG.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like the Tampa bay Lightning to go on and win the Atlantic Division this season, with this 6-game home stand likely what catapults them to the top. They should get the win on Friday, although I do think it will be a tight one. New York Islanders 2 Tampa Bay Lightning 3