In their second head-to-head meeting of the regular season, the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders take the ice at the Barclays Center for a Metropolitan Division showdown. The opening face-off is at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 16, and it’s being shown live on MSG Network.
New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders Odds
Each team currently has an identical -110 money line for this matchup, and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 6 goals (-120 to bet the over, +100 for the under).
Producing 1.6 units for moneyline bettors, New York is 23-22 straight up (SU) overall thus far. That early-season winning percentage hasn’t moved much from the 41-41 record the team managed during last years regular season campaign. Through 45 regular season outings, 29 of the team’s games have gone over the total, while 12 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 13-8 SU at home this year.
The Islanders have converted on 20.3 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 30th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 73.9 percent of all penalties.
The Islanders, as a collective unit, have been called for penalties just 3.6 times per game overall this season, and 4.8 per game over their last five match ups. The team has been forced to kill penalties for just 7.6 minutes per contest over their last five home games.
Averaging 29.0 saves per game with a .906 save percentage, Jaroslav Halak (13 wins, 15 losses, and two OT losses) has been the best goalkeeper for the Isles this season. If New York decides to give him the night off, however, the team may turn to Thomas Greiss (10-11-11 record, .886 save percentage, 3.89 goals against average).
The Isles will continue seeking offensive production from John Tavares and Josh Bailey. Tavares (54 points) has produced 24 goals and 30 assists and has recorded two or more points in 15 different games this year. Bailey has 12 goals and 38 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 28 contests.
New Jersey is 22-20 straight up (SU) and has earned 4.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 42 regular season matches, 24 of its games have gone over the total, while 17 have gone under and just one has pushed. As an away team, the Devils are 10-11 SU so far.
The Devils have converted on 21.8 percent of their power play chances this season, a figure that places it in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 11th overall and it’s successfully defended 82.2 percent of all opponent power plays.
New Jersey’s skaters have been called for penalties 4.0 times per game this season, and 3.2 per game over their last five road outings. The teams been forced to stave off opponent power plays just 8.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Cory Schneider (2.74 goals against average and .915 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for New Jersey. Schneider is averaging 29.3 saves per game and owns an 18-15-6 record.
Taylor Hall (15 goals, 29 assists) has been one of the most vital playmaking threats for the visiting Devils.
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Devils, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
- Three of New Jersey’s last ten games have gone to a shootout. The team is 1-2 in those games and 3-4 overall in shootouts this season.
- The total has gone over in three of New York’s last five games.
- New York has scored 3.5 goals per game overall this year, but is scoring 5.7 per match up across its three-game winning streak.
- Over New York’s last ten outings, seven of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 2-5 in those games).
