NHL Picks: New York Islanders at Tampa Bay Lightning
It’s always dangerous to bet against potential playoff teams like this. That said, the New York Islanders have been a mess without their goaltender and are not the same team. They’ve been sputtering of late, and they take to the road against one of the top teams in the NHL when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning have been rolling along lately. This elite offense should have fun with the New York Islanders’ lack of defensive depth and goaltending woes. I do not trust Thomas Greiss, or any other backup Islanders goaltender, to stop the likes of Steven Stamkos. At home, the Lightning should be able to use their offensive depth to pick apart the Islanders, who have a lot of holes. Jaroslav Halak fills up many of those holes, but with him out I don’t think the Islanders can compete here.
The computer agrees, giving 3.5 stars of value and a 60% chance for the home team to prevail. Score predictor likes the Lightning in a 3-1 victory on home ice. For me, the Lightning have all the momentum, have home ice advantage, and are the better team. With the Islanders limping into this one a little bit, it makes it a system play.
Lightning 3 – Islanders 2
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