NHL Action NYI-PIT

An Atlantic Division sports betting showdown takes place in the Igloo Thursday evening when last year’s Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins (15-9-4) host the cellar dwelling New York Islanders (10-16-2). The Penguins have struggled lately, losing their last three for NHL bettors despite being favorites by the pro hockey odds in each of the three games. Across the ice, the Islanders have been even worse in the month of December, losing all four of their games so far.

The Islanders currently sit tied with Atlanta for the second worst record in the Eastern Conference, meaning they will need to improve dramatically if they hope to make the postseason. C Doug Weight has been one of the few Islanders that have played well this season with a team high 26 points (6 G, 20 A). During the Islanders recent losing streak, Weight has been a help to Islanders bettors, notching points in four straight games heading into this game.

New York’s goalie play has left a lot to be desired with four different Islanders goaltenders combining for a 3.33 GAA and a .894 save percentage, some of the worst numbers in the NHL. The Islanders goaltending struggles have offered up opportunity for ‘total’ bettors however, as the over is 7-0-3 against the NHL odds in the Islanders last 10 games.

After a hot start to the season, things have cooled down recently for the Penguins despite the outstanding play of C Evgeni Malkin and C Sidney Crosby. Malkin is currently leading the NHL in scoring with 46 points on the season (11 G, 35 A) while Crosby is second in the league with 41 points (13 G, 28 A). Last night however, Penguins bettors watched as the mighty Penguin offense mustered just one goal against the Devils and minor-league call-up goaltender Scott Clemmensen, their first time being held to a goal in over three weeks.

With G Marc-Andre Fleury out for the past month, G Dany Sabourin has had to step up and lead the team. Sabourin has responded well, with a 6-5-2 record to go along with a 2.20 GAA and a .921 save percentage. Sabourin’s play may not have translated into wins for the Penguins, but under bettors have taken notice, as seven of his last nine games in net have gone under the ‘total’ per the closing NHL betting lines since the Fleury injury.

Current betting trends to note for this game are: New York is 6-20 for pro hockey bettors in its last 26 games against Atlantic Division opponents; Pittsburgh is 38-15 in its last 53 home games; and the ‘over’ when these two teams play in Pittsburgh is 20-7-3 over the last 30 match-ups.

Current NHL lines have the Penguins sitting as -240 moneyline home favorites with a game ‘total’ of 5.5 goals shaded toward the over at -130 odds.

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