Couple of curious stats rlevant to the 1st game of the day...

The Penguins have played 41 games since the last time one was decided by a 2-goal margin

9 x 3-goal margin, 10 x 4-goal margin & 2 x 5-goal margin results over that span.

The Islanders have played 14 home games since they last witnessed one produce an empty net goal.

The last time the Islanders played a home game decided by a 2-goal margin was the last time they witnessed an empty net goal scored at home.

A lack of empty net goals generally = a lack of 2-goal margin games.

That Penguins stat is wild. 41 games without a 2-goal margin means every game is either a blowout or a one-goal nail biter. That kind of volatility makes them tough to bet on spreads but interesting for moneyline value on the underdog side when they are getting plus money.

The Islanders empty net stat is interesting too. No empty net goals at home in 14 games suggests either they are rarely leading late or opponents are not pulling their goalies against them. Either way that affects the over/under dynamic in the final minutes.

Where are you finding these situational stats? I use betresearcher.com for some research but nothing this granular for hockey.

A reminder that Pittsburgh has now gone 43 games since one was decided by a 2-goal margin.

The last 7 meetings between the Pens & Bolts have not involved a game decided by 2 goals.

Pens and Sens was 4-3

Does a 4-3 scoreline make for a 2-goal margin?