NHL Gameday: Senators vs Islanders Prediction, Odds & Best Bets

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26 October 2023

NHL Gameday: Senators vs Islanders Prediction, Odds & Best Bets

We have a good show down here between the Ottawa Senators and the New York Islanders. Both teams have had ok starts as they both sit at .500 in the standings and are finding their grooves.

The Senators started the season off losing their 1st game followed by winning their next 3 games. They now have lost their last 2 games since the 3 wins after a 5-game home stand. This will be their first road game since October 11th.

In their 3 wins, Ottawa put up 5 goals twice and 6 goals once. In their last 2 games, they only totaled 6 games, so no need to wonder why they lost both games. They also allowed 11 goals in those 2 games vs 5 total during the 3-game win streak.

The team is stacked offensively. They brought in Vladimir Tarasenko who is earning his keep, leading the team in points with 8. Brady Tkachuk is starting to come around, Tim Stützle had a hot start and Jake Sanderson has stepped up with a point in his last 5 games.

Ottawa also had the return of Josh Norris to the lineup. He has 3 goals and 1 assist so far, but I really feel like he’s going to get back to form. Claude Giroux and Drake Batherson have had slow starts, but once they get going…this team could be tough to beat.

The Islanders have lost their last 3 games, 1 being an overtime loss. The overtime loss was a heartbreaker because it was back and forth game, but you shouldn’t have to be in overtime if you don’t let up 4 power play goals.

Colorado came to the island Tuesday night and the Isles hung in there. Another real back and forth game in terms of scoring. New York played well but couldn’t get the job done and lost 7-4 (2 empty net goals).

Despite the losses, the Islanders have looked good to start. Although they lost those games, they contended in both games and against 2 of the best teams in the league. The backbone of the Isles has been their star goaltender Iyla Sorokin.

Lots of team effort has been seen in these first few games of the season. Mat Barzal, Brock Nelson, and Kyle Palmeri have all played great. Noah Dobson has become the strong defenseman that the Isles hoped for. He leads the team in assists with 4 so far.

I’m excited for this game and I think it’s going to be a shots on goal heaven. Let’s check out the odds and get into the picks.

Betting Odds

Puck Line

Ottawa Senators +1.5 (-230)
New York Islanders -1.5 (+188)

Moneyline

Ottawa Senators +105
New York Islanders -126

Totals

Over 6.5 (+104)
Under 6.5 (-128)

Game Information

Venue: UBS Arena, Belmont Park, NY
Date: October 26, 2023
Puck Drop: 7:30pm EST
TV: MSGSN

Ottawa Senators vs New York Islanders Prediction and Picks

Prediction and Pick: New York Islanders ML (-126)

The Islanders have looked pretty good as mentioned earlier. They have been their own worst enemy though and that has been costing them games.

Stupid penalties have kept the Islanders from winning games. Otherwise, they have had all the pieces in the right spot. They’re finally producing on offense and goaltending has been spectacular.

Sorkin will be coming into this game rested and gives the Islanders the edge right off the bat. I think both teams will have high offense, but the Isles will be able to keep up as opposed to chasing like vs the Avs and Devils.

New York will need to tighten up on defense, stay out of the penalty box and find the back of the net like they have been to win this game. All of these things are extremely doable, and I think this is a perfect bounce back spot for the Islanders.

Ottawa has some great guys, but the Isles play a shutdown defense that they need to get back to and will. The line is close, as it should be, so we’re taking the Moneyline for the win.

Player Prop: Mat Barzal O2.5 Shots on Goal (+100)

Barzal is off to a hot start offensively and finally producing for the team. The past few years, he wasn’t producing the shots and points he was capable of, but bringing in Bo Horvat changed that.

He has hit this line in all his game but 1 this year. He has had 5, 2, 6, 4, and 3 in his last 5 games. For years I’ve been screaming from the stands or my couch at this kid to shoot the puck and he finally is. He has also recorded 1 point in his last 4 games straight.

He conditioned in the offseason working with a Long Island UFC fighter, so he’s as strong as ever. He’s so fast and has such great hands that he can make fireworks with the help he has. We’re going to ride this wagon and especially at even money.