The New York Islanders will head to Calgary to take on the Flames in this cross-conference matchup. The puck drop for this game is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. eastern from the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The Islanders have been on quite a rollercoaster of a season so far, winning a few games in a row and then losing a few games in a row. The Flames are on the same path; however, their biggest concern has to be finding a way to have an effective offense.
Before any NHL expert picks can be made, let’s take a look at the NHL player stats and the NHL odds to help us with our Islanders vs Flames prediction.
New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames Betting Analysis
New York Islanders Analysis
The Islanders find themselves in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division in the NHL standings. As we approach the halfway point in the season, it is becoming very clear that this division is going to end up being one of the best in the league, with six teams within 12 points of each other.
The Islanders’ offense puts them in the middle of all the other NHL teams, scoring 3.20 goals per game, putting them in 15th in the NHL. In their last five games, the Islanders have averaged 3.2 goals per game.
New York’s defense and goaltending has been solid, allowing just 2.70 goals per game, which is 8th in the league. In their last five games, the Islanders have given up 2.4 goals per game on average.
Mathew Barzal is leading the team in total points with 41. He has scored 11 points and assisted on 30 others. In their last ten games, Barzal has recorded 11 points.
The Islanders will be without Oliver Wahlstrom for the near future as he has been placed on the IR noted on their NHL injury report. He will miss time with a lower-body injury. While it is just one wing player, he was the wing player on the Barzal line, which could throw off chemistry.
Calgary Flames Analysis
The Flames come into this game in fifth place in the Pacific Division. The biggest difference in the Pacific division, compared to the Metropolitan, is the Vegas Golden Knights, who are in first, are over 10 points ahead of the Flames.
Calgary’s offense has left a lot to be desired as they are averaging just 3.03 goals per game which is 24th in the NHL. In their last five games, the Flames are averaging just 2.4 goals per game.
The defense and goaltending for Calgary has been solid, giving up just 2.95 goals per game this season. In their last five games, they are giving up 2.2 goals per game on average.
Elias Lindholm is leading the team with 35 total points. He has scored 12 goals and assisted on 23 others. In their last ten games, Lindholm has acquired 12 total points.
The Flames do have the advantage in terms of overall team health. They have just two players listed on their report, with one that is questionable to play this evening.
New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames Odds Breakdown
Moneyline
The Calgary Flames are the heavy moneyline favorite in this game, coming in with odds at -210. The New York Islanders odds to win the game outright come in at +175.
Puck Line
The Flames have a puck line of -1½ with the odds at +125. The Islanders puck line is +1½ with their odds at -145.
Goal Total
The goal total for this game is set at 5½. The odds for the over are -120, with the under having even money odds.
New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames Betting Preview
New York Islanders
If a bettor had placed a bet on the Islanders’ moneyline for their last ten games, the bettor would have won their bet five times. If the bettor had bet on the over for total goals, the bettor would have won their bet four times.
The Islanders have been decent on the road, coming in with a 10-10-0-2 record during away games on their NHL schedule. In their last five road games, the Islanders have a record of 1-3-0-1.
Calgary Flames
If a bettor had placed a bet on the Flames’ moneyline for their last ten games, the bettor would have won their bet five times. If the bettor would have bet on the under for total goals, the bettor would have won their bet five times.
The Flames have a home record of 11-7-1-1. In their last five home games, they have a record of 2-2-0-1.
New York Islanders vs. Calgary Flames Pick and Prediction
The Calgary Flames stats for home games has to be the reason for such a high favorite. In all reality, these two teams are very evenly matched. Both teams have elite goaltending with struggling offenses, making these NHL picks a little easier.
This is one of those NHL games where a bettor has to decide what kind of bettor they are. Making an Islanders vs Flames prediction is not hard; however, putting money on the line changes the game.
The Islanders have already proven they can beat the Flames while on the road, giving them the confidence they need. However, there is also the added drive in the home team locker room to not allow that to happen again.
The two best picks in this game are the under for total goals and the Islanders +1½. If the stats come to fruition, the Islanders should pull out a close, low-scoring game.
- Final Islanders vs Flames prediction: 3-2 Islanders
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.