NHL - Boston Bruins v New York Islanders Hockey betting preview

Ok.Tough game here as identical teams of Bruins and Islanders meet in Boston in the afternoon game.

Boston (10-7-2) is not a team you could easily define by their streaks.Their major streaks were 4 wins and 4 losses at a time, otherwise changing the hot-cold play.But what matters for todays pick is the defending information, which is important for both teams.Boston is against goals rankings, giving up just 47 goals, 2.47 average.On the other hand, they are ranked 23rd in the scoring department,recording 48 goals on 2.53 average.They have improved in the segment in their last three games, scoring 13 over the span.However, 9 of those goals came against the worst defending team of the league,the Toronto Maple Leafs. Boston will look for either of their goalkeepers to do a good job, experienced Thomas (which has rather poor record against the Islanders 1-3-0, 2.97 GAA) or youngster Rask who played very solid against the Leafs last game (giving up just 2 goals).Offense will be pulled by Sturm, Savard in addition with youngster Kessel.

New York Islanders (11-7-0) will again look for DiPietro to prove his great netminding qualities.Thanks to his quality appearances , Islander are ranked 6th in the goals against ranking, giving up 49 on average of 2.72.Important for our bet here is the fact that Islanders have 9 games streak with under 5.5 goals results.Very significant stat.They had a bad game against the Canadiens, loosing 4:1.It all started with an early goal with barely a minute into the match, and did not recover since.But I see them playing very disciplined today, looking to make a difference from their defense.

Looking at last 10 matches between the two, 7 of them ended with over 5.5 result.Not the best base for my pick here, but it is important to understand that both teams playing completely different style from their previous years.Also DiPietro has grown into even more quality keeper, now standing firmly as Islanders pillar.

Both teams have shown that their main strength comes from well organized defense.I see them doing just very same thing they have during the season - defend.Dont expect much of a open play here, and even if one takes the lead, the other wont rush to tie it right away but build up from the back.

As I mentioned, this is a difficult game here, with winning options for both.However, I see Bruins at 55 percent to take it as they have gotten new taste for scoring and might

benefit from this.IMO, draw 2:2 is realistic with Bruins taking

it in the OT 3:2.

Gl

Pick : Under 5,5
Odds : 1.74
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : Pinnacle
Match Result :
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor:

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