The New Jersey Devils are Stanley Cup Playoffs bound for the first time in five years after clinching this past weekend. They punched their ticket, and now the New York Islanders are looking to do the same.
The Islanders have thrown away the past two games against teams they should have beaten. But the team needs to put that in the rearview mirror and focus on getting a big victory on home ice as an underdog.
Find out my best bet in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Islanders vs. Devils on March 27.
Devils vs Islanders best odds
Devils vs Islanders picks and predictions
The New York Islanders have put together a good 10-game stretch while going 6-3-1. But they've lost their last two games against the Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets. Ilya Sorokin didn’t get the start in the previous contests, but he'll most likely be between the pipes on Monday. He's 6-1-1 with a 2.63 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage during that span.
Sorokin has been money for a majority of the season. Especially on home ice, where his numbers are spectacular. He's posted a 16-10-3 record at UBS Arena while boasting a 2.03 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage.
The New Jersey Devils are going to be a very tough opponent, as they play a complete game. But I’m not quite sure they'll match the emotion of the Islanders, especially after clinching their playoff berth Saturday.
The Islanders are 21-13-3 at home this season, and they've beaten the Devils in 15 of the last 19 games on Long Island. They need this win, and I like them as the home dog.
My best bet: Islanders ML (+105 at BetMGM)
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Devils vs Islanders moneyline analysis
The Islanders-Devils rivalry isn't talked about as much because these two teams have rarely been competitive at the same time. But now that New Jersey has clinched and the Isles are still in the midst of a playoff battle, the emotions should be very high.
These two clubs are excellent defensively, as each side is averaging 2.70 goals against per game. However, the Devils boast a much scarier offensive group than the Islanders. But despite being shutout in their most recent game, the Islanders have been finding ways to score lately, tallying 21 goals in their last five contests. They're getting a ton of secondary scoring, especially from their third line of Zach Parise, J.G. Pageau, and Hudson Fasching.
I'll take Sorokin against any goalie too, especially with the significance of this game.
Devils vs Islanders Over/Under analysis
This game features two of the league's best defensive teams, and it's going to be a very fun goaltending battle between Sorokin and probably Vitek Vanecek for the Devils.
These two teams have been trending toward the Under during recent meetings. It hit during the last clash, and in six of the previous 10 affairs. The Under is also 4-0 in the Devils' last four games following a win, and it's hit during six of their last 10.
The Islanders often play low-scoring games, especially when Sorokin is in the crease. They allow fewer than three goals at home. The Devils give up fewer than three on the road, so all signs point toward the Under.
Devils vs Islanders betting trend to know
The Devils are 4-15 in the last 19 meetings between these teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Devils vs Islanders.
Devils vs Islanders game info
| Location: | UBS Arena, Elmont, NY |
| Date: | Monday, March 27, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | MSG 2, MSGSN |
