Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the New York Islanders taking on the Vancouver Canucks. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Vancouver Canucks
Head-to-Head: Islanders 1-0 Canucks
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: MSGSN; Sportsnet Pacific; ESPN+
The Islanders Story
The Islanders come in this game after extending their losing streak to two in a row, neither in regulation. The latest being a 4-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a shootout. This mini losing streak comes on the heels of a three-game winning streak. That just sums up the up and down nature of the season for this team. The offence has been clicking recently with five straight games of three or more goals. This run has moved them up in the league rankings to 24th at 2.73 goals per game. Led by point leader Bo Horvat, he has 49 in 69 games played. He rides a four-game point streak coming into this one, with two goals and two assists in those contests. Right behind him is Anders Lee who has been solid in the month of March. He has three goals and four assists over the 12 games. He hasn’t gone more than one game without a point during the month.
Defensively they are still in the middle of the pack. Ranking 16th in goals against at 2.96 per game. However, they have put together a strong month of March. Thanks, in large part to their goaltender Ilya Sorokin who has allowed three or fewer goals in nine straight starts. He has gone 5-2-2 in those games with a .920 save percentage and 2.42 goals against. He has done everything in his power to keep the team in the playoff picture. For the season he is 27-20-6 with a .907 save percentage and 2.72 goals against. He ranks seventh in wins on the year and has a chance to meet the 30-win mark for the second time in his five-year career.
The Canucks Story
The Canucks come into this game fresh off a 4-3 win against the New Jersey Devils in their last one. That win snapped a two-game losing streak for them. Offensively they rank 23rd in the league at 2.79 goals per game. In recent games however their offence has been generating goals. They have scored three or more goals in seven of their last 10. Led by one of the top blueliners in the world in Quinn Hughes, he has 67 points in 57 games. His six-game point streak was snapped in their last outing. With co point leader Elias Pettersson out for the remainder of their road trip it will be a little harder for them to create offence. That leaves Pius Suter to man the first line, scoring two points in his first game in that role. He has been warm as of late as well with seven points over his last seven games.
Defensively the Canucks have not been great lately. Despite having the fifth ranked penalty kill in the league at 82.5%, they’ve had a tough go overall. For the season they rank 20th in goals against at 3.04 per game. While they have been scoring goals recently, they’ve been giving up a lot as well. Over the last 10 games they have allowed three or more goals in seven of those. That includes the last three in a row. Their goaltending could be pointed out as a reason for this. Starter Kevin Lankinen has solid season numbers but has struggled in the month of March. He has lost five of his last seven starts. While posting a 4-5-1 record, a .873 save percentage and 2.91 goals against in that time. The return of Thatcher Demko could open the door to more of a timeshare. He started his first game since February in their last one, stopping 22 shots and picking up the win. It is unclear which one will get the nod in this game.
Prediction
Coming into this game both teams desperately need these points so expect a high intensity game. Each teams holds advantages in certain areas. Offensively and on special teams the nod goes to the Canucks. However defensively and in the net, the Islanders have the edge. With the Islanders playing on home ice and the injury to Pettersson, we feel that tips the scales in their favor. New York should be able to pick up the win and snap their two-game slide here.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2
Prop Bets
We round out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Popular sports books have the Islanders as the favourites at -120. We like that line in this game would take that. The over/under is set at 5.5. Due to the Pettersson injury, the Islanders streaky nature offensively and the form of Ilya Sorokin this month, we like the under at -128. As far as any time goal scorers, for the Islanders take Bo Horvat. He is on a point streak and playing his former team should give his game an extra edge. For the Canucks take Brock Boeser. He is tied for the team lead in goals and has been in great form as of late. He’s racked up five goals in the last four games so look for him to do it again here.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Prediction: Mar. 26 New York Islanders vs Vancouver Canucks appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.