Islanders vs. Jets Odds
| Islanders Odds | -105 |
| Jets Odds | -115 |
| Over/Under | 5.5 |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
New York heads to Winnipeg and will likely offer a firmer test to the host side than it received Friday from the lowly Chicago Blackhawks.
Winnipeg came out flying, taking a 2-0 lead early on and ultimately never allowed much for a Blackhawks push during a 6-1 victory.
The Islanders dominated some lesser competition themselves last time out, leaving the Montreal Canadiens to be booed off the ice after a 6-2 defeat.
That said, will New York be able to slow Winnipeg's deep offensive core to the same extent?
New York Islanders
There really aren't many mysteries around what Barry Trotz and his squad will offer on a night-in, night-out basis, and that's going to be a workmanlike effort, some great puck management from an elite back end and strong forecheck from a heavy, talented forward core.
So far, the results have been solid and after back-to-back losses to start the season against powerhouses Carolina and Florida, the Isles have gone 4-0-2, posting a +10 goal differential.
Goaltender Ilya Sorokin has been masterful, owning a .933 save % and stopping 4.9 goals saved above expected.
Winnipeg Jets
Offensively, Winnipeg has seen excellent early returns, averaging 3.44 goals for per game, while playing short Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler much of the season.
Pierre-Luc Dubois has returned to form and Kyle Connor continues to develop into one of the league's truly elite forwards, but there has been a lot of support in behind them as well.
The area of concern for me that still feels unproven goes on the back end, which was very shaky at times last season, ultimately being exposed by a speedy Montreal group during the Canadiens’ four-game sweep.
Nate Schmidt and Brendon Dillon are meaningful veteran additions, but I truly felt the latter was causation for some of the Capitals’ defensive issues, and his suspect puck movement and sub par skating abilities can be exposed by more talented offenses.
I’m unconvinced this defense is still not a disadvantage compared to an elite unit like the Islanders, and the league's sixth-worst xGA/60 minutes in the early going suggests some regression could be due.
It’s unclear who will start in goal for the Jets, as Connor Hellebuyck sat Friday again due to illness, but could be prepared to return.
Islanders vs. Jets Pick
The Jets looked like world beaters against a very soft Chicago side, but they will be in for a surprise should they expect chances to come as simply against the Islanders.
In general, I hate trends like this, as I always like to try to think about each matchup on a current, unique basis. However, I do feel the Metropolitan Division is simply much stronger that they are often undervalued in road spots against Western Conference competition.
Thats a trend that has been consistent for several years and proven to be very true this year in the early going.
Winnipeg has played a lot of soft competition thus far, having competed in only one contest against a postseason team from last year in Minnesota.
Certainly, the league offers more parity than ever, but I still feel that counts for something, particular as the Jets’ defense has still allowed 2.66 xGA/60 against some notably lesser competition.
The Islanders’ heavy, well-organized forecheck will offer a firm test for a Winnipeg team I feel might not be as vastly improved as many are speculating compared to last season.
Contrarily, I love what the Islanders have to offer and I think they can make it a tough night for Winnipeg's talented forward unit. Sorokin has been absolutely lights out in the early going should the Jets control more of the play.
Altogether, I see some value with backing one of the tougher Eastern Conference’s top outfits in the Islanders skating as slight underdogs at -105 odds in this matchup.
Stay posted for confirmation on starting goaltenders, as New York will likely rest Sorokin one leg of the weekend back-to-back. And while Semyon Varlamov is a talented net minder, I don't like this play should it be his first start of the season as opposed to Sorokin getting the nod.
Pick: New York ML (-110 — Play to -125)
