Over the past couple of days, there have been some mosquitos buzzing around our home and driving my wife and I crazy. I’ve got a couple of bites, but eventually, I’ll smack my hands together and finally rid myself of those annoying, little pests.
The Tampa Bay Lightning must feel similar. In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final, NHL bettors saw the New York Islanders frustrate and irritate the favored Lightning, registering a series-extending 2-1 victory in double overtime.
Much like those pesky bloodsuckers, the Isles won’t go away easily. Let’s check out our NHL picks and predictions for Thursday night’s Game 6 from Rogers Place in Edmonton. Game time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders betting preview
Starting Goalies
Lightning: Andrei Vasilevskiy - playoffs – 11-6, 2.17 GAA, .919 SV% (season – 19-14, 2.62 GAA, .914 SV%)
Islanders: Semyon Varlamov - playoffs – 13-5, 1.88 GAA, .930 SV% (season – 35-14, 2.56, .917 SV%)
It’s rare when an opposing netminder outplays Andrei Vasilevskiy, but that’s indeed what Semyon Varlamov did on Tuesday night. He came up huge for New York, making 36 saves and killing off a four-minute double-minor called against Anthony Beauvillier with 1:23 remaining in the third period. That was Tampa’s best chance to end this series, but Varlamov refused to let it happen.
Vasilevskiy has unquestionably been the best goalie in postseason play, though it helps that the Isles are having a hard time putting the puck on net. The three-time All-Star stopped 24 shots before eventually giving up the game-winning goal 12:30 into the second overtime.
Injuries
Lightning: Brayden Point C (prob), Jan Rutta D (out), Steven Stamkos C (out)
Islanders: Cal Clutterbuck RW (ques), Casey Cizikas C (out), Tom Kuhnhackl LW (out)
Get the latest NHL injury updates.
Betting Trend to Know
Lightning are 15-6 in the last 21 meetings. Find the latest NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Lightning.
Lightning vs Islanders NHL odds movement
UPDATE 7:55 P.M. ET THURSDAY: PointsBet USA's Patrick Eichner said 63 percent of moneyline bets are on the Lightning (-185), but money is running 50/50. It's almost the opposite on the total of 5, with ticket count perfectly split, but 69 percent of money on the Under.
UPDATE 6 P.M. ET THURSDAY: Said Eric Osterman, manager and oddsmaker at The SuperBook at Westgate: "We have taken quite a bit of parlay money with the Lightning and the Under. The line just jumped from Lightning -165 to -176. We did take a little bit of sharp money on the Lightning, too."
---
DraftKings opened tonight's game at Lightning -155/Islanders +132, and Tampa Bay stretched to -175 early this morning before dialing back to -165, with New York +143. The Lightning are attracting the large majority of moneyline tickets and cash, at 67 percent and 85 percent, respectively.
Further, the public again likes Tampa Bay -1.5 on the puckline, which is taking 77 percent of tickets and 89 percent of handle. The total of 5 is drawing two-way action, with 45 percent of bets on the Over and 53 percent of money on the Under.
Moneyline Pick
Every playoff game for the Islanders is about waiting for an opportunity. Despite only 26 shots all game, they pounced on Kevin Shattenkirk’s whiff in the second overtime, leading to Jordan Eberle’s breakaway winner. That’s a hell of a way for the Isles to try to win a playoff series, but it’s also their best hope.
The Bolts produced 37 shots on goal in Game 5, and it’s hard to see New York holding them to a single tally if that happens again. The Lightning are also an incredible 43-8 in their last 51 after scoring two goals or less in their previous game. Time to kill the mosquitos.
PREDICTION: Lightning ML (-155)
Over/Under Pick
It’s imperative that the Lightning get Brayden Point back in the lineup on Thursday instead of risking a Game 7. His presence makes Tampa’s top line that much more dangerous, and it’s difficult to shut down the Bolts in back-to-back games. I’m playing the Over.
PREDICTION: Over 5 (-135)
Prop Pick
Despite missing significant action, you can make a strong argument that Point is the MVP of this series. Tampa Bay has won seven straight games when he suits up. The 24-year-old might not be at full strength, but he’ll also have fresh legs after not having to endure double OT.
PREDICTION: Brayden Point to score (+188)
Lightning vs Islanders Betting Card
- Lightning ML (-155)
- Over 5 (-135)
- Brayden Point to score (+188)
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s NHL Lightning vs. Islanders picks, you could win $72.47 on a $10 bet?
Use our NHL parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on the NHL?
You can bet on NHL odds at every online and casino sportsbooks, including NHL moneylines, pucklines, Over/Under totals and a ton of NHL prop odds. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on NHL odds in your area.
