New York has made a turn around their last 10 games or so to be sitting in the 3rd spot of the very tight Metro Division. Tonight, they will have a tough task on their hands as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh. These 2 teams met once this year with a 5-4 win by the Islanders back in late November.
The Islanders are sitting in the 3rd spot in the division with a record of 15-8-9. New York made a nice bounce back from a little rough patch that they hit. Coming into tonight, they’re 6-1-3 in their last 10 games and 5-2-4 in divisional games.
Although they’re in 3rd place, the Isles have had their fair share of issues this year. They finally stopped completely giving away games in the 3rd period, which has resulted in more wins, but still struggle as they have 3 OTL’s in their last 10 games.
Ranking in the mid of the league for goals scored and shots on goal per game, the Islanders have to depend on their beat-up defense to make up for their lack of offense. Defensemen Ryan Pulock still remains out and Adam Pelech is on the LTIR. Additions of Mike Reilly and Robert Bortuzzo on defense have already helped the Isles out.
On offense, the Islanders have 3 players with 30+ points each, which is huge for them. Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat have been doing exactly what we’ve all been waiting for on the same line. Defenseman Noah Dobson has been playing out of his mind, showing he is the team's new top defensive player. He also leads the team with 28 assists, so not too shabby.
Goaltending has been interesting for the Islanders. Star goalie Ilya Sorokin has had some rough outings due to lack of help, whether offensively or defensively. He has a record of 9-4-7 with a 3.04 GAA and a .915 save percentage. In my opinion, that 7 in the OTL column is the difference of a Vezina year and not. He can only do so much – they have to protect him better.
Let’s talk about Carolina now. A team that was the front runner for the division at the beginning of the season is struggling right now. They sit in the 5th spot in the Metro and are 3-4-3 in their last 10 games, just coming off a shootout loss to the Penguins.
Despite their recent play, this team is good. They stay ripping puck on net, as they are in the top 5 of the league for shots on goal per game again. Currently ranking 4th this year, this is one area that will test the Islanders because they allow 35.6 shots on goal per game.
Backup goalie Pyotr Kochetkov is expected in net tonight for the Hurricanes. He has a 7-6-3 record so far this season. He has a great GAA that is almost sub 2.5 (2.53) and a .899 save percentage. Despite his numbers, when you look at his record you can see he definitely struggles to finish games.
With a record of 9-2-3 on home ice, this Canes team is very comfortable at home. Look for them to come out with a little pep in their step as they try to take down the Isles.
Now, let’s see where we’re putting our coin.
Betting Odds
Puck Line
- New York Islanders +1.5 (-160)
- Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (+132)
Moneyline
- New York Islanders +152
- Carolina Hurricanes -184
Totals
- Over 6.5 (+102)
- Under 6.5 (-124)
Odds courtesy of MyBookie
Game Information
- Venue: PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC
- Date: Saturday, December 23, 2023
- Puck Drop: 7:30pm EST
- TV: BSSO, MSGSN2
New York Islanders vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction and Picks
Prediction and Pick: New York Islanders Moneyline (+152) MyBookie
We have 2 teams with a lot of familiarity being from the same division. Home ice is being taken into account big time here with the Canes being favored and as they should with that home record. I get it, but it doesn’t scare me.
We’re taking the Islanders and on the Moneyline tonight. I really think this will be a hard fought, close game the entire time, but the Isles fine a way to win. Playing these close games have become more of the Islanders style these past few years.
Sorokin being in net this game can be a huge difference maker. He did not play in the game played already this year. The Islanders will just need to get him some support on the scoreboard, and he should take care of the rest.
We’re taking the plus money like Thursday night, that fell short by 6 seconds in overtime. That’s ok because tonight, we get it back!
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