Igor Shesterkin and Ilya Sorokin both hold plenty of name value, but their performances have not been up to snuff of late. Our NHL betting picks expect J.T. Miller to be one of many forwards getting in on the scoring as the game goes Over the total.
NHL
The New York Rangers and New York Islanders have much to play for tonight. Just three points separate them in the standings, and they’re both pushing for a spot in the playoffs.
This game should have a playoff-like atmosphere, but defense has not been a strength for either team, so my Rangers vs. Islanders predictions and NHL picks believe it’s tough to expect a low-scoring game on Tuesday, February 25.
My best bet
Over 5.5 (-130 at FanDuel)
My analysis
To me, the total being at 5.5 for this game just seems too low. In theory, Ilya Sorokin against Igor Shesterkin is a solid goaltending matchup, but both guys have not been at their best in their respective last five games.
Sorokin gas gone 2-3-0 while skating to a .902 SV% and a 3.25 GAA in his last five starts. He allowed four goals on the 29 shots he faced in his latest start against the Dallas Stars.
Shesterkin is coming off of a stellar performance against the Penguins and single-handedly won his team the game, but in his last five games he is 2-3-0 as well with a .854 SV% and a 4.22 GAA.
Since the start of February, both teams have struggled mightily in their own end and are in the bottom of the league for goals against per game. The New York Rangers have allowed 3.86 goals against per game, which is the fourth-worst in that span, while the Islanders are tied for the fifth-worst in the league, giving up 3.83 per game.
Despite only having 16 shots on goal in their most recent contest, the Rangers found a way to score five goals and were a perfect 1-for-1 on the man advantage. That is something they can build on going into tonight’s contest. The New York Islanders‘ penalty kill has struggled lately as well, and this unit is skating to a 70% conversion rate on the year (31st).
J.T. Miller has stepped into the Rangers locker room and given them some offensive production, providing them with four goals and four assists in his first seven games with the team. He’ll be the guy to watch tonight in a game featuring at least six goals.
Over 5.5
Rangers moneyline
J.T. Miller 1+ points
The Rangers have been incredibly disappointed in their efforts in their previous two games, but having those games under their belts gives them an advantage going into tonight’s game.
It takes some guys a bit to get going after a long break, and even though the Islanders deserved a better outcome in their last game, the Rangers have the edge to me. The Islanders’ special teams have been horrendous lately, as their man-advantage has scored only once in the last 10 games.
J.T. Miller has been a bright spot for the Rangers since being acquired via trade. He has four points in the two games since coming back from 4 Nations Face-Off and a rivalry game like tonight is the kind of game that Miller thrives in.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
The Rangers have hit the Over in 27 of their last 47 away games (+6.25 Units / 12% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Rangers vs. Islanders.
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Jonny Lazarus has loved hockey for as long as he can remember. After his Division I playing career at UMass-Amherst and Mercyhurst University came to an end in 2020, he transitioned from being a player to working in the media. He might be young in his career, but he has made appearances in numerous places like the NHL, and Bleacher Report, and this season he will be doing color commentary for a selection of UMass-Amherst hockey games.
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