The New York Islanders made quite the statement in their five-game series sweep of the Washington Capitals. Washington had far more firepower and scoring than the Isles. But New York’s structure and discipline proved decisive in the matchup. Islanders head coach Barry Trotz has engineered what could be the toughest out in the playoffs. Alain Vigneault is another coaching success in his first year with the Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia is in its best form in 10 years and has finally found a cornerstone goaltender in Carter Hart. Philadelphia got past a pesky Montreal Canadiens team thanks in large part to Hart’s dominance.
Futures Odds Analysis
The Philadelphia Flyers opened as a -130 favorite to win this best of seven playoff series with the New York Islanders, who opened as a +110 dog. The Flyers are a +600 choice to win the Stanley Cup and are a +280 pick to win the Eastern Conference. The Islanders are a +1000 choice for the Stanley Cup and are at +380 to win the Eastern Conference. Both of these teams are old traditional NHL powers that are coming out of periods in the wilderness.
Betting action should be even for this series. Sharps respect the exceptional value and profitability that the Islanders have shown. Philadelphia commands respect as the top seed in the East. In a series that looks so even live betting could be a popular option. “Undertakers” love the goaltending and defensive dominance of both sides. Oddsmakers are certainly aware of this perception and will be setting low totals in response.
New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers Series Schedule
Game 1: Monday, August 24, 2020, 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Game 2: Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 4 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Game 3: Thursday, August 27, 2020, 7 ET, NBCSN
Game 4: Saturday, August 29, 2020, Noon ET, NBC
Game 5: Monday, August 31, 2020, TBD
Game 6: Wednesday, September 2, 2020, TBD
Game 7: Thursday September 3, 2020, TBD
Series Price at BookMaker.eu
New York Islanders +106
Philadelphia Flyers -122
Head to Head Results
New York has won the last four meetings between these two teams including all three matchups this season. In fact, the Islanders have won eight of their last 11 against the Flyers with 11 of the last 12 between these two teams going over the total.
Key Stats
So far since the restart the Islanders rank first for money made vs. the line, fifth for scoring, and first for goals against. The Flyers rank second for goals allowed.
Players to Watch
Left wing Anthony Beauvillier leads the Islanders with six goals, three assists and a plus four. Another left wing, Josh Baily, has been outstanding with two goals, eight assists and a plus eight. Defenseman Ryan Pulock has one goal with five assists and a plus four.
The Flyers are led by right wing Jakub Voracek with four goals, four assists and a plus three. Defenseman Iran Provorov has one goal, three assists and a plus four.
Between the Pipes
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov has a 7-2 record with a 1.67 goals against average and save percentage of .934 with one shutout.
Second year goaltender Carter Hart has provided an answer to a decades old question as to who would follow Bernie Parent and Ron Hextall as a dominant Philadelphia Flyers goaltender. Hart is 6-2 since the restart with a 1.71 goals against average and save percentage of .954 with two shutouts.
NHL Odds Pick
Hockey fans and gamblers will be treated to a pair of fundamentally sound teams with great goaltending and coaches in this matchup. In particular the Islanders showed playoff prowess in the way that they slammed the door shut on the Capitals. While Philadelphia got past outmanned Montreal, the triumph was not as impressive.
Prediction: New York Islanders
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