The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the New York Islanders in this regular-season finale and will be facing each other for the third time this year. Both teams played last night, and with the Lightning in a playoff spot, they could decide to rest some guys.
The Lightning are currently third in the Atlantic Division with 108 points and have secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Islanders are fifth in the Metropolitan Division with 84 points and have been eliminated from the playoffs.
NHL betting odds have the Lightning heavily favored in this matchup and are 2-0 against the Islanders this season, with their last matchup ending with a 4-1 win in New York. Let’s take a look at some of the betting trends and NHL Expert picks.
Last Game Records
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Last Game: 5-2 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets
- Overall Record: 50-23-8
New York Islanders
- Last Game: 5-1 win against the Washington Capitals
- Overall Record: 37-34-10
Matchup Information
Lightning at Islanders Betting Analysis
Lightning Betting Analysis
The back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions, Tampa Bay Lightning, are gearing up for another playoff and have been playing well lately but unfortunately fell short last night. Looking for a bounce-back win, they will look to continue their impressive scoring run.
In the last five games, the Lightning have scored 28 goals for an average of 5.60 goals per game. This includes an 8-4 win over the Panthers and an 8-1 win against the Maple Leafs, who are some of the league’s best.
This season the Lighting are scoring 3.44 goals per game where they sit eighth in the NHL. In the defensive zone, the Lightning have a GAA of 2.77, which has them in sixth.
Over the past five games, the Lightning have allowed 13 goals for a GAA of 2.60. Backup Brian Elliott has stepped in for two games and gave up seven goals, while starter Andrei Vasilevskiy allowed six in his three starts.
With some guys potentially resting for playoffs, look for veteran Corey Perry to step up as he is just one goal shy of his 20th on the year. Ondrej Palat will be skating hard as he is close to his second 20-goal season as he is just two goals shy with 18 on the year.
The Lightning have been moneyline favorites in four of the last five games, winning just three times as a favorite. Their one underdog game came against the Panther in their 8-4 upset. The Over has hit in four of the last five games, all set at 6.5.
Islanders Betting Analysis
The New York Islanders were near a potential miracle entry into the playoffs but unfortunately missed their chance and have slumped since as they went on to lose five straight games. They have now won two straight games against the Capitals and look to end the season on a streak.
In the last five games, the Islanders have scored 17 goals for 3.40 goals per game, with nine goals in the last two games. This is a bump compared to their season-long average of 2.78 goals scored per game.
On the defensive end, New York has allowed 20 goals in the last five games with 4.00 GAA. Throughout the season, the Islanders have maintained a 2.77 GAA, with Ilya Sorokin carrying a 2.35 GAA and a .922 SV%. With that SV%, he is second amongst goalie leaders.
Brock Nelson looks to add to his impressive season as he has 37 goals and 59 points this season which are both career highs. With just three goals and no assists in the last five games, look for him to finish the year strong.
Defenseman Noah Dobson will also look to continue his impressive play as he has six points, including two goals in the last five games. He has played a great third year as he has 50 points with 13 goals and 35 assists this season.
The Islanders have been underdogs in three of the last five games and are 2-3 ATS. The over has hit in four of New York’s last five games.
Updates
Both Zdeno Chara and Brock Nelson returned from illnesses last game for the New York Islanders and will both play again tonight. Anthony Beauvillier also returned from injury last game.
The Tampa Bay Lightning could potentially rest some guys due to injury with playoffs starting Monday. Defenseman Jan Rutta (undisclosed) was downgraded to out last night and is questionable again tonight.
- The Lightning are 7-3-0 in their last ten games.
- Tampa Bay is the fourth-worst team in the NHL covering the spread.
- The Lightning are 7-2-1 against the Islanders in the last ten meetings
- The Islanders are 5-5 ATS in the last ten games.
- Overs are 8-1-1 in the last ten Islanders games.
Lightning at Islanders Betting Preview
The Tampa Bay Lightning look to complete the season sweep against the New York Islanders, who hope to avoid it. With the Tampa Bay potentially sitting guys, it could get tough for them, and the moneyline or spreads might be something to keep an eye on.
What won’t change is the goal scoring. The Lightning have scored 28 in their last five games for an average of 5.6 goals per game. The Islanders also have been scoring at a higher rate than normal lately, with 17 goals in the last five games for 3.40 goals per game.
Islanders have also let up a lot of goals as of late, with 20 goals allowed in the last five games, while the Lightning have allowed just 13. With a final home game for the Islanders, these two teams will look to go out with a bang and continue their goal scoring.
Lightning at Islanders Betting Prediction
Betting guides currently have the Lightning as moneyline favorites at -200 but again, that could move depending on their lineup. We look to the over/under number, which is currently listed at 5.5 goals.
With both teams scoring a combined 45 goals in the last five games they have played, we can expect the goal scoring to continue. When making your NHL picks, the best play is on Over 5.5.
The Lightning will want to take advantage of the Islanders’ 4.00 GAA in their last five games while the Islanders look to give their home fans a show at their home finale.
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