Bet on the NY Islanders at Tampa Bay NHL Odds

On Friday, the Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Islanders in NHL betting action. The Islanders (39-24-9, 87 points) are in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. They knocked off the Ottawa Senators at home on Wednesday, 3-1. The Lightning (42-26-5, 89 points) are in first place in the Atlantic Division. They just walloped the Detroit Red Wings, 6-2, on Tuesday night.

All the highlights from last night’s 3-1 #Isles win over the Sens! Check ’em out >> https://t.co/soMZ24nmUShttps://t.co/PwnlUcrGPj

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 24, 2016

Bet on the NY Islanders at Tampa Bay NHL Odds and TV Info

When: Friday, March 25, 7:30 PM ET Where: Amalie Arena, Tampa TV: TVA Stream: NHL.tv Radio: NY Islanders / Tampa Bay Opening NHL Lines: Lightning favored by TBA

Why Should You Bet on the Islanders?

There was a point when the Islanders were threatening a run to catch up to the New York Rangers for second place in the Metropolitan Division. Now, they find themselves in a fight for one of the wild card positions in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They knocked off a struggling Senators team on Wednesday but need a win in Tampa Bay to assert themselves in the standings and pick up as many possible going down the stretch run to the postseason. The Islanders are solid on defense (#8, 2.5 goals allowed per game) and on the penalty kill (#2 at 85.4%) so if they can get an early goal or two they should be able to clamp down on the Lightning and get some points.

Why Should You Put Your Money on Tampa Bay?

The Lightning put six goals on the board against Detroit. Admittedly, the Red Wings struggle on both ends of the ice, but six goals makes an impressive total against any NHL opponent. The Lightning are an elite defensive team (#3, 2.3 goals allowed per game) and decent on the penalty kill (#8, 83.7%). However, their offensive numbers have dwindled slightly since their big run in January and February. The Lightning need to get up on the Islanders and then squeeze the life out of their offense.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like the Lightning to defend home ice and beat the Islanders. I’m picking the Lightning to win by the score of 3 to 1.