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Islanders vs Bruins Odds, Picks and How to Bet Game 5

Ryan Bolta

by Ryan Bolta in NHL Hockey

Updated Jun 6, 2021 · 8:56 PM PDT

Brad Marchand skating with puck
Boston Bruins' Brad Marchand in the third period of Game 2 during an NHL hockey second-round playoff series against the New York Islanders, Monday, May 31, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
  • The  Boston Bruins host the New York Islanders in Game 5 of their series Monday, June 7th on NBC Sports Network/TVAS
  • Brad Marchand has recorded at least one point in every game of the series so far
  • Here are the odds, team previews, and the best value bet available

The Boston Bruins and New York Islanders are down to a best of three.

The Bruins are the convincing favorites as the series returns to Boston despite a 4-1 loss in game four. For a series that appears to be close, why are the odds makers so confident in one side over the other? Let’s take a deep dive into three important story lines to get help find the answer.

Islanders vs Bruins Game 5 Odds

Team Spread Moneyline at DraftKings Total
New York Islanders +1.5 (-182) +156 O 5 (-136)
Boston Bruins -1.5 (+150) -182 U 5 (+112)

Odds as of June 6th

New York Coming Off Deceiving Victory

New York needed a win in game four and they deserve full credit for evening the series. That said, a quick glimpse at a 4-1 score line does not tell the full story. The game was tied with less than seven minutes to play when Mathew Barzal scored the game winner. The Islanders added two empty net goals and suddenly a game that looked destined for overtime appeared to be a one-sided affair.

The Islanders were also aided by one of the worst playoff bloopers in recent memory. Bruins forward David Pastrnak missed a net that was quite literally, wide open. The fact the error came from such a prominent scorer was shocking and ultimately ended up changing the outcome of the game. The oddsmakers clearly were not convinced by the performance and don’t think there’s much chance the luck continues in game five.

Marchand Continues To Deliver In Big Games

Brad Marchand began his career as a pest and has evolved into an unquestionable superstar talent. He had 69 points in 53 regular season games, marking the fifth straight year he’s tallied more than a point per game. The Islanders are getting a first-hand lesson in how skilled Marchand is in the offensive end. He has three goals and two assists in the series and has recorded at least one point in every single game.

Yes, Marchand plays on a fantastic line with Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron but he really is the straw that stirs the drink. He was a third line role player when he won his first Stanley Cup, but if the Bruins are to win this year he is the favorite to be the Conn Smythe winner. He’s developed into a 200-foot nightmare for opposing coaches and needs to be taken into consideration when deciding whether to wager against Boston.

Several Bruins Players Have Added Motivation

As if going deep in the playoffs wasn’t motivation enough, several members on the Bruins have extra reason to dig deep this year. Three of the top five highest paid pending unrestricted free agents are in the Boston lineup. Goaltender Tuukka Rask is due a new deal as is forward David Krejci. The biggest name headed to market, however, may be deadline acquisition Taylor Hall.

Islanders vs Bruins Series Odds

Series Odds at DraftKings Total
New York Islanders +160
Boston Bruins -200

Hall has spoken openly about wanting to remain in Boston on a long term deal but what is he supposed to say? After unsuccessful runs in Edmonton, New Jersey and Buffalo of course he’s open to remaining with the Bruins. While he may not match this season’s $8-million salary, he will certainly want to earn every dollar he can. The pending UFA’s having an extra jump in their stride is an added reason to love their chances moving forward.

Trust Boston to flip the script and win by a convincing score line in game five. Picking the Bruins on the puck line is the best value play on the board.

  • The Pick: Boston Bruins -1.5 (+150)
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