New York Islanders (20-22-8) vs Vancouver Canucks (26-23-6)
Game Info: Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 7:30 pm (UBS Arena)
Betting Odds: New York Islanders -133 / Vancouver Canucks +105 --- Over/Under: 5.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The New York Islanders host the Vancouver Canucks in Thursday NHL Action.
The Vancouver Canucks come into this road contest with an overall record of 26-23-6. Through 55 games, the Canucks are 6th in the Pacific Division. On the season, they have found the net 154 times, good for a rank of 22nd among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Vancouver is the 16th ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 2.82 goals per game. So far, the Canucks have a strength of schedule rating of 14th in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 19th ranked team in the NHL.
The New York Islanders get set to host the Vancouver Canucks with an overall record of 20-22-8. This mark places them 6th in the Metropolitan division. Through 50 games, the Islanders have scored 128 goals, giving them an average of 2.54. This output gives them a rank of 30th among NHL teams. On defense, New York is the 5th ranked unit, giving up 2.74 goals per contest. So far, the Islanders have played the 2nd easiest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account New York's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 23rd in the NHL.
Through 53 games, the Vancouver Canucks goal and overall scoring leader is J.T. Miller with 60 points. He has reached his mark of 20 goals, on a shooting percentage of 15.6%. So far, 30.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Quinn Hughes, who has 37 assists to go along with his 4 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +10.0. Vancouver's top goalie is Thatcher Demko, who is giving up an average of 2.59 goals per game. In his 43 games played, he has turned in 24 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Through 50 games, New York's leading goal scorer is Brock Nelson. With his 19 goals and 9 assists, he is the second in overall points, coming in at 28. On the season, he is turning 19.6% of his shots into goals. In addition, the Islanders have benefited from the strong play of Mathew Barzal, who is the team's overall leader in points. In New York's 50 games, he has come up with 12 goals on a shooting percentage of 10.6%. However, when on the ice, the Islanders are -4 in scoring differential. New York's top goalie is Ilya Sorokin, who is giving up an average of 2.42 goals per game. In his 36 games played, he has turned in 23 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
In Vancouver's 55 games, they have an above .500 record against the spread, going 28-24. So far, the Canucks have been a good bet on the road as they have covered in 16 of their 28 road games. Heading into their game with the New York Islanders, the Canucks have a 3-2 record over their past five contests. In these games, they have scored 23 goals, accounting for 55% of the overall scoring. A key to this recent success is the fact that they have outscored their usual output of 2.75 goals per game 4 times. Look for the Canucks to pick up a road win over the Islanders.
Joe’s Pick Canucks +105
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
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