Anaheim Ducks vs New York Islanders Predictions

Islanders have the stronger setup

New York is favored at -155 after allowing 17 goals through eight games, the second-fewest in the NHL. The New York Islanders / NHL.com preview reports that opponents have scored no more than twice in six of those games, giving the Islanders a clear defensive advantage against a tired Anaheim team.

The Ducks are playing for the second straight night after Monday's 5-2 loss to the Rangers. That defeat extended their losing streak to three games, while the Islanders have earned points in four of their past five. Those trends make New York the likelier winner at UBS Arena.

The price leaves too little room

Daily Faceoff, an NHL lineup and starting-goalie tracker, lists Lukas Dostal as Anaheim's confirmed starter. New York's starter remains unconfirmed, which adds risk to an Islanders moneyline that already requires bettors to lay -155.

Anaheim also remains without Troy Terry following right hip surgery. New York will be missing Matias Maccelli and Cal Ritchie, so neither lineup is at full strength.

The Islanders' defensive results and Anaheim's short rest favor New York, but they don't justify the price without clarity in the home net. There also isn't enough evidence to support New York -1.5 or either side of the 5.5 total. The wager is Pass.