Free Picks: Boston Bruins vs. New York Islanders

For Boston, it’s another opportunity to pick up a victory against the Islanders. New York is considered one of the top teams in the division this season. With the bookmakers being generous in favor of New York, will the Islanders be able to cover the puck line? Boston looks to remove the goose egg in the win column against the Islanders, a feat they have struggled with all season.

We knew the East Division would be a dogfight. But could anyone have predicted that the New York Islanders would be undefeated against the Boston Bruins this season?

Yep, a perfect 5-0, the Islanders look to continue their winning ways against the new-look Boston Bruins.

The Bruins added the likes of Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazar and Mike Reilly to their squad at the trade deadline. Will that be enough to impact the Bruins’ Stanley Cup odds?

Boston is 1-0 with Hall, Lazar and Reilly in the lineup, although the trio didn’t really impact the outcome in a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

Focusing on this BetPicks prediction, I think it’s interesting that in 5 games between the Bruins and Isles, Boston has netted just 8 goals.

I think there are two ways we can bet on this game. Boston’s total goals intrigue me because of their inability to score against New York this season. With that being said, I think you could also look at the Islanders puck line.

It’s a tough choice, but I think taking the Islanders’ puck line will be your best NHL bet for this contest.

While the value isn’t terrific (-261), I like how New York has played against the Bruins this season. Since the Islanders are listed at +1.5, I think taking NYI on the puck line is a no-brainer.

We didn’t learn much about Boston in their one game against Buffalo. Sure, they have new faces but there wasn’t a significant impact from Hall, Reilly, or Lazar.

For this free NHL prediction, the key will be the Islanders’ goaltending. Hockey fans know that Boston has struggled on offense this season.

With that being said, the Bruins are not terrible in goal; in fact, the Bruins are one of the better teams in goals against this season. it just so happens that the Islanders are a tad stronger in that department.

New York’s offense will be enough to cover on the puck line. Add in the fact that the Islanders are brick walls on defense and I am making this bet a lock.

• NYI average 4.33 goals for against BOS in last 3 games.
• The Islanders have scored 18 goals in 5 games against BOS.
• Boston averages 1.6 goals per game against NYI this season.
• Boston’s home defense is ranked 12^th in the NHL.