Stars vs Islanders Prediction 3/26/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Stars vs Islanders prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, March 26th at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Dallas Stars Betting Preview

The Dallas Stars are 43-17-11 this year after they lost to the Devils by a score of 6-4 in their last game. Dallas cut the deficit from 4-1 to 5-4 in the third period, but they allowed an empty net goal to seal the loss. The Stars out shot NJ by a total of 27-25, won 50.0% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Dallas got goals from Bourque, Johnston (2), and Robertson, while Oettinger stopped four out of eight shots and DeSmith stopped 15 out of 16. 

Prior to that game, Dallas lost to the Golden Knights by a score of 3-2 and the Wild by a score of 2-1. The Stars have lost four of their last five games and they are currently second in the Central standings with 97 points. Dallas has scored 3.37 goals per game and they have allowed 2.70 goals against per game, while also going 29.0% on the power play and 80.9% on the penalty kill this season. Jason Robertson has led Dallas with 39 goals and 46 assists, while Wyatt Johnston has added 40 goals and 38 assists. The projected starting goalie for Dallas is Jake Oettinger, who is 29-10-6 with a 2.63 goals against average and a .900 save percentage this year. 

New York Islanders Betting Preview

The New York Islanders are 40-27-5 this season after they lost to the Blackhawks by a score of 4-3 in their last game. New York trailed 4-1 after the second period and even though they scored twice in the third, it was too big of a deficit to overcome. The Islanders out shot Chicago by a total of 47-24, won 58.2% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. New York got goals from Holmstrom, Lee, and Ritchie, while Rittich stopped nine out of 12 shots and Sorokin stopped 11 out of 12. 

Prior to that game, New York defeated the Blue Jackets by a score of 1-0, but lost to the Canadiens by a score of 7-3 before that. The Islanders have lost three of their last four games and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 85 points. New York has scored 2.85 goals per game and they have allowed 2.79 goals against per game, while also going 16.4% on the power play and 81.3% on the penalty kill this season. Mathew Barzal has led New York with 18 goals and 47 assists, while Matthew Schaefer has added 22 goals and 30 assists. The projected starting goalie for New York is Ilya Sorokin, who is 26-18-2 with a 2.52 goals against average and a .913 save percentage this year. 

Why the New York Islanders will win

• The underdogs have won six of the Islanders’ last seven games at UBS Arena.
• The Stars have lost four of their last five games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Stars’ last six games.
• The Stars have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games as favorites.
• The Stars have lost the first period in four of their last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Why the Dallas Stars will win

• The Islanders have lost seven of their last eight games at UBS Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
• The road team has won four of the Stars’ last five games.
• The Islanders have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last eight games at UBS Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Stars have covered the puck line in five of their last six road games.
• The Islanders have lost the second period in four of their last five games as underdogs following a loss.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Islanders’ last five night games against Central Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the Stars’ last four games as favorites following a home loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Islanders’ last eight home games.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in six of the Stars’ last seven games following a loss.

New York Islanders Player Prop Facts

• Mathew Barzal has recorded at least one assist in five of the Islanders’ last six games against Central Division opponents.
• Bo Horvat has scored at least one goal in each of the Islanders’ last three games as home underdogs.

Dallas Stars Player Prop Facts

• Wyatt Johnston has scored at least one goal in five of the Stars’ last six night games.
• Mikko Rantanen has recorded at least one assist in six of his last seven appearances with the Stars as road favorites.

Stars vs Islanders Prediction 

New York comes into this matchup trying to battle in the playoff race, but they have lost three of their last four games. The Islanders are 19-12-2 at home this year, while the Stars are 21-7-7 on the road. Dallas has lost three in a row and they have scored two goals or fewer in three of their last four games. The Stars are struggling, but they are the better overall team and they have a huge advantage on offense, so I will back Dallas to get the win here.

David Racey's Pick: Stars ML