NHL: Penguins vs. Islanders Picks and Odds | March 30, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Mon Mar 30, 2026, 12:05 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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A huge divisional rivalry tonight at UBS Arena. The Pittsburgh Penguins will take on the New York Islanders in a big game for playoff positioning. These two teams last played almost two months ago, and the Islanders won 5-4 in overtime.
New York is 42-27-5 this season and currently second in the Metro Division. They come into this game on a two-game winning streak after another win over the Panthers on Saturday. The Islanders are 6-4-0 in their last ten games, 21-12-2 at home and 14-6-2 in divisional games.
They are literally fighting for their lives to stay in the playoffs. New York has bounced from third in the Metro to the second Wild Card spot to second in the Metro in three games. It's going to be an incredible ending to the season, and each team hold their own fate.
If they want to help themselves, the Islanders need to play better offense. It's a win-win situation because they're winning game like this – kicking it up a notch would be right what they need. An improved power play could make a huge difference alone.
The defense will need to be on their toes vs. the Pittsburgh offense. In between the pipes has been the difference maker for the Islanders. Goalie Ilya Sorokin is expected to get the start. He is 28-18-2 with a 2.44 GAA and a .914 save percentage.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Pittsburgh looks to regain second seed in must win game
Penguins forwards Rickard Rakell and Evgeni Malkin celebrate after scoring a goal against the Islanders.
The Penguins are 36-21-16 this year and are third in the Metro Division. They come into this game off a loss to the Stars on Saturday. Pittsburgh is 4-4-2 in their last ten games, 19-9-8 on the road and 11-2-9 in divisional games this season.
They are dealing with two studs who have day-to-day injuries. Sidney Crosby has a lower body injury and Evgeni Malkin has an upper body injury. There is no doubt in my mind that they both play due to the importance of this game.
Pittsburgh was holding the second spot in the division for a while but dropped a game followed by two wins for the Islanders and the Blue Jackets each to shake things up. The three teams are fighting for the second and third spots in the division, but whoever falls to the wild card to fighting two more teams from the Atlantic.
This team has been great on both sides of the puck this season. They rank in the top ten in of most statistical categories on both offense and defense. Goaltending hasn't been their highlight if point out a weak spot.
In net, we're expected to see Stuart Skinner. He is 21-15-9 this season with a 2.84 GAA and a .888 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Penguins vs. Islanders picks.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Betting Odds and Game Information
Penguins vs. Islanders Betting Odds – March 30
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +1.5 (-235) | +110 | Over 5.5 (-145) |
| New York Islanders | -1.5 (+180) | -130 | Under 5.5 (+120) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Penguins vs. Islanders Game Information
- Venue: UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
- Date: Monday March 30, 2026
- Puck Drop: 7 p.m. EST
- TV: MSGSN, NHL Network
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Picks and Prediction
New York Islanders forward Mat Barzal celebrates after scoring a goal vs. the Penguins.
Penguins vs. Islanders Picks and Predictions: Game Total Over 5.5 Goals (-145) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
This game is going to be awesome. I think we see an action-packed barn burner and this game is going to go over. They both need to win this game, and you'd think I'd lean the under, but I see a battle over a chess match.
Both teams are having great seasons. I lean with the Islanders because they win games they should lose and this smells like just that. They've already shown that they can contend with this Pittsburgh team whose two top players are coming off injuries.
The Pens have shown in the past they can get to Sorokin, and I think he'll let a few up. The Isles should be the ones to pour it on though and get at least four goals. Give me Bo Horvat and Sidney Crosby to each get 3 or more shots on goal parlayed. I like for Horvat to score a goal as well.
Tonight will help us see how the seeding is going to shape up. The Islanders could widen the gap in second place, or these two teams could swap places again and someone back to a wild card spot.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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