NHL Picks: Florida Panthers vs New York Islanders – a showdown on Long Island || January 27, 2024

Tonight, the New York Islanders (20-17-11) will host the Florida Panthers (29-14-4) at UBS Arena. The Islanders currently sit in the 5th spot of the Metro Division and have bounced around this season. They were 2nd at one point and as low as 7th. Florida is sitting in the 2nd spot of the Atlantic Division and heating up.

The Panthers are coming into the game on a 3-game winning streak after a 3-2 overtime win vs the Penguins. They're heating up – going 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. Florida doesn't shy away when on the road either with a 16-7-2 record.

Offense and defense are played in Florida – it's what we call "two-way" hockey. They rank 1st in the league for shots on goal per game with 34.3 and are 12th for goals forced per game with 3.21.

Florida's defense has been very good this year. They only allow 2.58 goals and 27.4 shots on goal per game, both ranking in the top 3 of the league. Their biggest problem is staying out of the penalty box. The Panthers lead the league in penalty minutes with 12.9 per game.

Backup goaltender Anthony Stolarz is expected in net. He has a record of 7-4-2 with a 2.12 GAA and a .917 save percentage. He has been doing his job filling in for Bobrovsky in 12 starts.

Can the Islanders find a way to win on home ice?

These 2 teams played once this year and the Islanders came out on top by a final score of 4-3. Isles goalies Ilya Sorokin stopped 42 shots to will the team to a win.

Although they won that game, the Islanders have been struggling as of late. They're currently an abysmal 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. With new head coach Patrick Roy behind the bench, the Isles look to turn it around.

The Islanders aren't great on either side of the ice, especially defense. They rank in the bottom of the league for goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game.

This team has found ways to win even though they can't defend well. Their goaltenders are taking a beating this year. Sorokin is expected to start again tonight, and his numbers show his pain. With a 14-12-9 record and a 3.17 GAA, he doesn't look like a goalie 1 year removed from a Vezina nod.

Home ice has worked in the Islanders favor as they're 12-6-6 at home this season, but will it be enough? Let's check out the odds and get into some picks.

Betting Odds

Puck Line

• Florida Panthers -1.5 (+172)
• New York Islanders +1.5 (-210)

Moneyline

• Florida Panthers -142
• New York Islanders +118

Totals

• Over 5.5 (-142)
• Under 5.5 (+116)

Odds courtesy of MyBookie

Game Information

• Venue: UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
• Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024
• Puck Drop: 7:30pm EST
• TV: MSGSN, BSFL

Florida Panthers vs New York Islanders Prediction and Picks

Prediction and Pick: New York Islanders Moneyline (+118) Get 50% up to $750 Deposit on BETUS for this pick

Like I said, home ice has been good to the Islanders. I think they bounce back after that bad loss to the Habs, that could've been a huge morale boost under Roy with his return to Montreal.

The Islanders are good for winning games they have no business winning. With the new coach and vision, this could be a good bounce back spot for the Islanders. They showed already that they can contend with Florida.

Florida's offense is powerful, but they will have to get through Sorokin. Even with putting up 45 shots with 3 goals last game, it wasn't enough. Sorokin is coming in off rest as well which is huge. He was getting worn down covering while Varlamov was injured.

The key will be the be the Islanders defense protecting Sorokin. They don't want him facing another 40+ shot game, but it is very likely. I'm a sick puppy and also a homer here but give me the Isles for a bounce back. I know it seems crazy, but stranger things have happened.

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