Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the New York Islanders taking on the Boston Bruins. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Boston Bruins
Time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Tv: MSGSN, NESN, ESPN+
This matchup features two Eastern Conference opponents who are in different spots in the standings. The Islanders holding down last place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 14-18-7. Through 39 games they have 35 points to their name. On the other hand the Bruins sit third in the Atlantic Division with a record of 20-17-4. With 41 games played that record is good for 44 points. This will be the second of three matchups between these teams. The Bruins took the first matchup 6-3 on Long Island. Tonight these two square off in Boston inside the TD Garden.
The Islanders Story
For the Islanders they lost their most recent game to the Toronto Maple Leaf’s. This marks their third loss in a row. The offence has really let them down in these last couple games. They have scored two goals or less in the last three games. Despite generating at least 30 shots on goal in all of those games, it hasn’t resulted in much scoring. A big reason for that is their powerplay which is 0-6 in the last three. The team ranks 28th in goals averaging 2.59 per game. In response to the recent struggles coach Patrick Roy has shaken up the lines again. Brock Nelson practiced on the first line next to Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee. He’s hoping this move will help snap his 16 game goalless streak and provide a boost to the offence.
For the Islanders defensively they rank 22nd in goals against with 3.15 per game. However as a team they had their strongest effort in awhile in the last game. They snapped a nine game streak of allowing three or more goals. Ilya Sorokin who has been let down by his team more times than not this season bounced back and played his strongest game in recent memory. However their last ranked penalty kill reared its head, allowing a late goal which sunk them. The loss dropped Sorokin’s record to 11-13-4 with a .900 save percentage and 2.89 goals against.
The Bruins Story
For the Bruins this game will be the second of a back-to-back. They dropped their last game 6-4 against the Toronto Maple Leaf’s. Just like New York this was their third straight loss. Offensively they have struggled, ranking 25th in goals with 107 on the season. Most of their production comes from that top line. That line featuring point leader David Pastrnak with 40 points in 41 games. Brad Marchand close behind him with 31 points in 41 games. Their struggles come from not getting much production outside of those two. That and their 31st ranked powerplay at 12.7%.
Defensively things are a little better for Boston but not by much. They rank 23rd in goals against with 126. However, they have only allowed 59 high-danger shots and that is the second least in the league. They haven’t gotten great play from their penalty kill, ranking 25th at 76.2%. The play from their goaltenders hasn’t been good either. Jeremy Swayman took the loss in their last game, dropping his record to 13-12-3 with a .891 save percentage and 2.91 goals against. This means Joonas Korpisalo will likely start this game. He hasn’t been much better, he is 7-4-1 with a .895 save percentage and 2.71 goals against.
NHL Predictions Time
These teams matchup pretty evenly on paper. The Islanders hold the advantage in goaltending and a slight defensive edge. The Bruins have a slight offensive advantage and both teams are pretty bad on special teams. However the biggest advantage should be the Islanders being rested while Boston is playing a back-to-back. We think that will play the biggest factor in the outcome of this game and will lead to the Islanders snapping their losing streak.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2
Prop Bets
According to Fanduel, the Islanders are the underdogs. We like their money line at +114. The over/under is set at 5.5. Due to these teams struggles offensively and Sorokin coming off a good game, we like the under at +100. As far as any time goal scorers, for the Islanders take Brock Nelson at +270. He just moved up to the top line and is in a big slump so he is due to score. For the Bruins, its a long shot but just hear it out. Oliver Wahlstrom was claimed off waivers by Boston after being let go by the Islanders. These kinds of players always come back and find a way to hurt the Islanders. We would not be surprised to see New York’s former first round pick find the back of the net against his old team.
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Main Photo: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: Jan. 5 New York Islanders Vs Boston Bruins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.