Penguins vs. Islanders prediction: Tuesday NHL odds, pick

The New York Islanders are 4-5-2 since the beginning of the month. The division has four of NHL's hottest teams since Dec. 1. Islanders take on the Penguins at UBS Arena on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Penguins are on a run of success. The Isles are struggling. They have won just four of 11 games in December. They are also struggling with their power play. Ilya Sorokin will play against either Tristan Jarry or Casey DeSmith. Penguins are three points ahead of the Isles with two games to play, but they have a better goal differential. Islanders have improved their performance in recent games. Isles have the clear advantage in the blue paint.

The Penguins are the home underdog against the Isles on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh has won 15 of 21 games, but the Islanders have played better recently.