Islanders vs. Predators Picks, Predictions: Can New York Earn an Upset Win?
Last Updated: November 17, 2022 10:05 AM EST • 1 min 64 sec read.
The New York Islanders and Nashville Predators both have been playing some of their best hockey so far in 2022-23 recently. Each team is on a two-game winning streak. Here are our picks for Thursday night’s game between the Islanders and Predators.
The Islanders are 11-6-0 on the season and coming off a 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Monday night in the first contest of their four-game road trip.
The Predators played the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday in a low-scoring 2-1 victory at home.
Here are my NHL picks and predictions for Thursday's Islanders-Predators matchup (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM, and DraftKings Sportsbook; Pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5 scale).
Check out our NHL best bets and shot props for Thursday.
Islanders vs. Predators Game Info
Date: Thursday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m. ET
TV: Bally Sports South, MSG Sports Network
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
Islanders vs. Predators Odds
Islanders vs. Predators Odds Analysis
The Predators are the moneyline favorites, ranging from -115 to -120. The total is set at 5.5 to 6 at all major sportsbooks.
Currently, the Predators are attracting 88% of the cash. However, 70% of the tickets have been in favor of the Islanders.
Islanders vs. Predators Picks
Islanders vs. Predators ML Pick
Islanders (+100) ★★
The Islanders have been enjoying a solid start to the season, especially compared to Nashville, a team only finding its groove now. New York has won two of its last three road games. The club is averaging three goals per contest. The Predators boast a strong defense, but their offense won't be able to keep up.
New York’s defense definitely needs some work down the road, but the Islanders are reaping the benefits of excellent goaltending from both starter Ilya Sorokin and backup Semyon Varlamov. Sorokin will get the start on Thursday, and he’s 7-4-0 with a .932 save percentage. For the Preds, Juuse Saros hasn’t looked like himself so far this season at 5-6-1 with a 3.03 goals-against average, which is great news for the Islanders.
Finally, the Predators are a low-scoring team. They rank 31st in the league in goals per game while averaging 2.56. They may boast the stronger defense, but multiple goals will be hard to come by against Sorokin.
Islanders vs. Predators O/U Pick
Under 5.5 (+100) ★★★
The value of taking the Under here at plus money is worth it, even with Saros’ slow start to the campaign. A low-scoring Predators offense combined with Sorokin’s current form doesn’t bode well for Nashville.
On the other hand, the Islanders boast the 12th-best average goals per game. But Nashville's blue line is strong, with Roman Josi leading the way. So while the Predators might not have the scoring to pull off the win, their defense will be able to keep the contest close.
Islanders vs. Predators Prop Pick
Barzal Under 0.5 points (+145) ★★
There’s been a lot of chatter about Mathew Barzal because of his 18 points but zero goals. He’s recorded seven assists over his last five games.
Although he’s been getting on the score sheet with assists, New York's offensive production will be limited overall against Nashville’s defense.
Where to Bet on Islanders-Predators Picks
Islanders-Predators picks made 11/17/2022 at 1:57 p.m. ET
Sarah Griffin
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