The New York Rangers are set to face off against the New York Islanders in an exciting post-holiday matchup on Saturday at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. With the puck scheduled to drop at 6 p.m. ET, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter between the two rivals. According to BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds, the Rangers come in with a record of 19-16-4 while the Islanders stand at 20-13-4.
As of now, the Islanders hold a 1-0 advantage in their season series with the Rangers, following a decisive 5-0 victory in their prior meeting on November 8. The Rangers look to build on a recent strong performance, having defeated the Washington Capitals with a commanding 7-3 win, marking their third victory in four games. The Rangers have shown resilience against the Islanders historically, winning five out of the last six matchups.
On the other hand, the Islanders are coming off a victory of their own, having snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the New Jersey Devils 2-1 in their last game. Defenseman Adam Pelech scored the decisive goal in the dying minutes of the match, showcasing the Isles’ determination to bounce back.
In terms of betting odds, BetMGM lists the Rangers at -105 on the moneyline (bet $105 to win $100) and the Islanders at -115. The puck line sees the Rangers at +1.5 (-275) and the Islanders at -1.5 (+220). The Over/Under for the game is set at 5.5 goals.
The expected goaltenders for the match are Igor Shesterkin for the Rangers, who boasts a record of 16-11-3 with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage, and Ilya Sorokin for the Islanders, who holds a record of 12-10-2, also with a 2.55 GAA but a slightly better .910 save percentage. Shesterkin made 29 saves in the Rangers’ previous game and will aim to improve on his performance from their earlier encounter with the Islanders, in which he allowed four goals.
As both teams prepare to engage, their respective trends suggest that the game could lean towards higher-scoring, especially given their recent offensive performances and the penalty records both teams have maintained. The Rangers, who have shown offensive depth, may have the edge as they seek to capitalize against an Islanders team that has struggled to manage high-danger chances despite a solid defensive record.
Fans can anticipate an intense showdown as the Rangers and Islanders vie for crucial points in the standings. With both teams having their strengths, this match should provide ample excitement for hockey enthusiasts.