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Islanders vs. Penguins Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
2 minute read
May 18, 2021
by Thom Cunningham
NHL Expert
VegasInsider.com


New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 2 Predictions

Score Prediction Penguins 4 Islanders 3

It's becoming more difficult to wager against Barry Trotz when competing for Lorde Stanley, but there are trends backing Pittsburgh. The home team has won three of the last four games played between both clubs, with the Game 1 Islanders' victory being the one miss.

Pittsburgh has also won eight straight home games after going into overtime the game prior. With the Penguins losing Game 1, expect the urgency and all-around play to step up. If Evgeni Malkin returns that would probably see the current Penguins ML go up a bit more, but outside of Trotz's playoff record, there's more conviction and data to support the Penguins here.

With that said, there are some markets surrounding New York to consider if uneasy on the Pens or sold on the Isles. If sold on the Isles, then the ML is the obvious choice at plus-value. However, Pittsburgh is the No. 1 seed and home favorite for a reason, so some cushion surrounding New York lies in the puck line market and the period betting.

The underdog has covered the puck line in four of five meetings, but the +1.5 for New York is too expensive. The Islanders have won the second period in six of eight games as the underdog, which has a plus-value at +102. This wager would allow for a good game from New York without the pressure to win. There are some creative ways to bet on this game, so explore wisely but there is a possible hedge play recommended.

New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 2 Best Bets

  • Pittsburgh ML -132
  • New York 2P ML +102
  • Sidney Crosby Goal +148
  • Brock Nelson Goal +235

The New York Islanders have gone UNDER the goal total in eight of their last 10 games when playing on a Tuesday. (AP)

New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 2 Odds

First Round Series Odds

  • Islanders +110
  • Penguins -135
  • Islanders (+1.5) -250
  • Penguins (-1.5) +195
  • Over 5.5 +120
  • Under 5.5 -145

New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 2 Betting Analysis

  • Venue: PPG Paints Arena
  • Location: PIttsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • TV-Time: NBCSN - 7:30 p.m. ET

New York Islanders: 33-17-7 SU, 28-29 ATS, 22-32-3 O/U
Pittsburgh Penguins: 37-16-4 SU, 27-30 ATS, 28-25-4 O/U

Depsite winning Game 1, New York has lost -$707 when playing on the road this season. The Islanders have compiled a 12-13-4 record when playing away from home. Pittsburgh has won $799 for bettors this season when playing inside PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins are 22-4-3 when playing at home.

New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Series History

  • 05/16/2021 - New York 4 (+1.5) at Pittsburgh 3 (Over 5)
  • 03/29/2021 - New York 1 (+1.5) at Pittsburgh 2 (Under 5.5)
  • 03/27/2021 - New York 3 at Pittsburgh 6 (+1.5) (Over 5.5)

Projected Goalies

New York: Semyon Varlamov (19-11, 7 SO, 2.04 GAA, .929 SV%)

Pittsburgh: Tristan Jarry (25-9, 2 SO, 2.75 GAA, .909 SV%)

2021 NHL Playoff First Round Betting Resources

Odds per BetMGM - Subject to Change


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