Mathew Barzal is one of the more dynamic playmakers in the NHL.
He’s on pace to lead his team in assists, and my Islanders vs. Rangers predictions expect Barzal to create some magic against a team unable to keep the puck out.
Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Thursday, January 29.
Islanders vs Rangers prediction
Islanders vs Rangers best bet: Mathew Barzal Over 0.5 assists (+110)
Mathew Barzal is an assist machine in good matchups. He has picked up an apple in 13 of 21 games and seven of his past 10 against teams that rank Bottom-12 in goals against.
The New York Rangers certainly fit the criteria. They have allowed 50 goals — yes, 50 goals! — over 10 games since Igor Shesterkin went down with an injury.
The opposing team scored at least three in each of the 10, so it’s not as if they’re going through peaks and valleys. Every night is a steady dose of goals against.
Now playing without Artemi Panarin, who will remain on the sidelines until a trade is found, the Rangers have even less starpower in their lineup and are likely to spend more time on their heels.
We saw that Wednesday night, with the Islanders outshooting the Rangers 36-16 despite playing with a lead for 45 of the 60 minutes.
The New York Islanders are likely to have a ton of the puck again in this one. It’ll often be on the stick of Barzal, who is the team’s leader in assists and their best facilitator.
With Jonathan Quick struggling to stop pucks, one of the opportunities Barzal creates should lead to a goal.
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Islanders vs Rangers same-game parlay
Anthony Duclair played 16:40 against the Rangers last night. Just under 15 minutes came attached to the hip of Barzal, whom Duclair is skating with at 5-on-5 and on the power play.
He has 12 points over his last 11 and correlates greatly with Barzal, so I like his chances of getting involved in this plus-matchup.
Without Panarin in the lineup, Alexis Lafreniere jumped up to the top power play. He had a pair of shots on goal and two of the team’s three scoring chances on the man advantage.
An increased role should improve his shooting floor and ceiling each night.
Islanders vs Rangers SGP
- Mathew Barzal Over 0.5 assists
- Anthony Duclair Over 0.5 points
- Alexis Lafreniere Over 1.5 shots on goal
Islanders vs Rangers odds
- Moneyline: New York -125 | New York +105
- Puck line: New York -1.5 (+190) | New York +1.5 (-230)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)
Islanders vs Rangers trend
Mathew Barzal has assists in seven of his past nine road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Rangers.
How to watch Islanders vs Rangers
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSGSN2, MSG |
Islanders vs Rangers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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