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Islanders vs Golden Knights NHL Odds, Projected Starting Goalies and Picks

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in NHL Hockey

Updated Oct 24, 2021 · 10:45 AM PDT

Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders
New York Islanders' Mathew Barzal plays against the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
  • The Golden Knights host the Islanders in NHL action on Sunday, October 24th
  • The under has cashed in four of the last five meetings between VGK and NYI
  • Read below for the odds, game preview, and betting prediction

The Golden Knights (1-3-0) will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the New York Islanders (2-2-1) in Sunday NHL action on Saturday, October 24th. Puck drop is set for 10:00 pm EST at T-Mobile Arena.

The Islanders are being listed +120 road underdogs on the NHL betting line. Barry Trotz’ team will be playing the second half of a back-to-back after beating Arizona on Saturday.

What’s the best bet for New York vs Vegas?

Islanders vs Golden Knights Odds

Game Time Team Puck Line Total Moneyline
10:00 PM EST New York Islanders +1.5 (-210) O 5.5 (-115) +120
October 24th, 2021 Vegas Golden Knights -1.5 (+175) U 5.5 (-105) -135

Odds as of October 23rd at DraftKings

Banged Up Knights Are Struggling

The Golden Knights are an underwhelming 1-3-0 to begin the season after losing 5-3 to the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. Vegas defenseman Zach Whitecloud suffered a lower-body in the game and is listed as week-to-week. The Golden Knights are already without Alec Martinez, Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone.

Islanders vs Golden Knights Recent Results

Date Home-Away Money Line Puck Line Over/Under
02/15/2020 VGK 1 – NYI 0 VGK NYI Under
12/05/2019 NYI 3 – VGK 2 OT NYI VGK Under
12/20/2018 VGK 4 – NYI 2 VGK VGK Push
12/12/2018 NYI 2 – VGK 3 VGK NYI Under
01/25/2018 VGK 1 – NYI 2 NYI NYI Under

Vegas has won three of the past four meetings with the Isles, although the two teams haven’t played each other in over a year. The Golden Knights are only averaging 2.50 goals per game and are 0-for-9 on the power play this season. It’s clear the team is missing top goal scorers Pacioretty and Stone.

Goaltending has also been an issue for Vegas, as Robin Lehner owns a .901 save percentage and 3.59 GAA in four starts. The Golden Knights defense isn’t give him much help, allowing a whopping 37 shots per game. Marc-Andre Fleury bailed the team out on several occasions last year, but the Vezina winner was traded to Chicago in the offseason.

Islanders Also Looking To Improve

The Islanders are also looking to get their season on the right track after a disappointing 2-2-1 start. Barry Trotz’ team was a popular preseason bet in the Stanley Cup odds after reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2020-21. The Isles are usually one of the league’s’ top defensive teams, but are currently allowing almost four goals per game.

Islanders vs Golden Knights Projected Starting Goalies

Team Goalie Record SV% GAA
New York Islanders Ilya Sorokin 2-2-1 .916 2.80
Vegas Golden Knights Robin Lehner 1-3-0 .901 3.59

With goalie Ilya Sorokin playing against the Coyotes on Saturday, it’s unclear which goalie will start against Vegas. Coach Trotz announced that Semyon Varlamov will be unavailable for the next two games due to injury, meaning we could see third-string goalie Cory Schneider. The former Devils’ netminder is yet to make his first start with the team.

The Islanders have lost to Florida and Carolina this season, but they’ve either won or earned at least a point against inferior Arizona, Columbus and Chicago teams. 21-year-old forward Oliver Wahlstrom has been a standout for the Isles, notching three goals in four games. Canadian superstar and Olympic hopeful Mat Barzal also has a pair of goals.

Islanders vs Golden Knights Pick & Prediction

Goaltending is the key to betting this matchup. If Sorokin gets the start for the second straight night, we could see another low-scoring battle between NYI and VGK. Both teams rank in the bottom-half of the league in scoring, and Vegas is missing two of it’s best goal scorers. Sorokin and Lehner both posted save percentages above .910 last year.

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If the Islanders turn to Cory Schneider, the VGK moneyline becomes the play. The 35-year-old netminder hasn’t started a game since the 2019-20 season in which he posted a miserable .887 save percentage. Schneider could be rusty if he gets the call, so monitor the news and place your bet in the NHL odds accordingly.

Pick with Sorokin: Under 5.5 (-105)

Pick without Sorokin: VGK Moneyline (-135)

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