Two clubs that split their head-to-head series (one game apiece) a year ago, the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Islanders clash at the Barclays Center for a cross-continent matchup. Sportsnet Oilers will showcase the action, which gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 7.
Edmonton Oilers at New York Islanders Odds
Edmonton (+105) is playing the role of underdog to New York (-125), and the oddsmakers have set the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals. The odds for betting that total stand at -125 for the over and +105 for the under.
Netting 1.9 units for moneyline bettors, New York is 8-6 straight up (SU) overall in the 2017-18 season. That winning percentage, ranked third in the Metropolitan Division so far in this young season, is an improvement compared to how the team performed during last year’s regular season (41-41). Of the team’s 14 games this season, nine have gone over the total, while five have gone under and none have pushed. The team’s 5-1 SU at home this year.
The Islanders have been able to convert on 22.4 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is rated 14th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 81.3 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, the Islanders have been whistled for penalties just 3.9 times per game this season, a number that’s up a bit from the 3.4 penalties per game they gave up last year. After serving an average of 7.9 penalty minutes per game a year ago, the team’s had to kill penalties for 8.4 minutes per matchup this season.
With a .906 save percentage and 25.8 saves per game, Jaroslav Halak (5-4) has been the primary option in goal for New York this year. If New York chooses to rest him, however, the team could turn to Thomas Greiss (3-3-3 record, .896 save percentage, 3.75 goals against average).
John Tavares and Josh Bailey will both be focal points for the Islanders. Tavares (18 points) has put up 12 goals and six assists and has recorded multiple points six times this year. Bailey has three goals and 15 assists to his credit and has recorded a point in nine contests.
Edmonton is 4-9 straight up (SU) and has lost 9.1 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year. Through 13 regular season matches, seven of its games have gone under the total, while six have gone over and none have pushed. The Oilers are 1-3 SU as the visiting team this season.
The Oilers have converted on just 14.6 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the bottom-five overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 32nd overall and it’s successfully killed off 67.4 percent of all opponent power plays.
Edmonton’s skaters have been whistled for penalties 4.1 times per game this season, a number that is fairly close to the 3.8 penalties per game given up last year. After serving an average of 9.6 penalty minutes per game a season ago the team has had to kill penalties for 10.2 minutes per outing this year.
Cam Talbot (3.17 goals against average and .903 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for Edmonton. Talbot is averaging 27.1 saves per game and owns a 4-8-1 record.
For the visiting Oilers, the offense will run through Connor McDavid, who has 11 assists and five goals this season.
Edmonton Oilers vs. New York Islanders Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Islanders, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Islanders are 3-2 SU in games where they serve more penalty minutes than their opponent while the Oilers are 2-4 SU when they serve more minutes than the opposition.
- After going 2-4 in games decided by a shootout last year, the Islanders are off to a 1-1 start in shootouts this season. Edmonton went 4-5 in shootouts last year and has yet to participate in one this time around.
- The over has hit in each of New York’s last five outings.
