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 Boston Bruins. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
New York Islanders vs Boston Bruins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: MSGSN, NESN, ESPN+
2025-26 Season Series: Bruins Lead 1-0
This matchup features two Eastern Conference opponents who have had similar starts to this season. There is just one point separating the two teams in the wild card hunt early on in this campaign. The Islanders are sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 6-5-1 through 12 games. Meanwhile, the Bruins are fifth in the Atlantic Division, holding a record of 7-7 through 14 games. This is the second of three matchups between these teams, with Boston taking the first just a week ago. That game was in Boston, and tonight’s will be on Long Island at UBS Arena.
The Islanders’ Story
The Islanders come into this game on a two-game winning streak. The latest came in a thrilling 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, where they scored two goals in 29 seconds to steal the win late in the third period. Their offence has cooled a bit, but they are still producing. They have dipped a little to 12th in the league in goals for, with 3.33 per game. Bo Horvat continues to lead the way for this team with 13 points in 12 games. He has at least one point in all but four games this season. With Mathew Barzal back on his wing, the hot start for Bo should continue. That move opened up a spot for Calum Ritchie to make his NHL debut and slot into a top-six role. He hasn’t recorded a point in either of his first two games. However, the 20-year-old brings a new excitement and youth to this offence. While the points haven’t come yet, if he stays in the top six, production should soon follow.
Defensively, for the Islanders, things have been better in these recent games. They have allowed two or fewer goals in these last two games. One factor has been welcoming back Alexander Romanov to the lineup. He brings a shutdown presence to this blueline. However, they are still ranking 25th in goals against with 3.42 per game. Another highlight has been Matthew Schaefer, as the number one overall pick continues to shine early in his first season as an Islander. After a three-game point drought, he has three goals in as many games.
With better defensive play, the goaltenders have looked better. Ilya Sorokin will get the start in this game. He looked like his old self in his last start, allowing just one goal on 23 shots against. Still, there is a lot of work to do to improve his season-long numbers. His record sits at 3-4-1, and his save percentage is still an underwhelming .877.
The Bruins’ Story
For the Bruins, they come into this game playing some good hockey of their own. Winners of their last three games in a row. One of those coming against the Islanders. They have scored four or more goals in two of those three games. They still rank 16th in goals for with 3.21 per game. David Pastrnak continues to lead the way for his team. He has 17 points in 14 games, including five multi-point games in his last eight appearances. Right behind him is Pavel Zacha, providing good depth to their top-six. He has 12 points in 14 games, and he brings a three-game point streak into this game.
Defensively, things have been going well on their three-game win streak. They rank right behind the Islanders at 26th in the league with 3.43 goals per game. However, over these last few games, they have allowed two goals or fewer in two of the last three. Something that has helped has been the return of Hampus Lindholm from the IR. He brings a good balance to their blueline. It also helps to have Jeremy Swayman in the net. While he hasn’t been great to start the year, he is one of the league’s better goalies. He bounced back in his last appearance. The numbers still need work at 4-4 with an .896 save percentage. Backup Joonas Korpisalo has won his last two starts and provides a good tandem. Neither goalie has been announced for this game.
Prediction
Coming into this game, these teams seem evenly matched. Both teams have been playing good hockey coming into this game, both with winning streaks. The Islanders have a slight edge offensively. Defensively, it is even, with only one spot separating the two sides in goals-against-per-game. In the net, if it is Swayman vs Sorokin, we would give a very slight edge to Boston. If it is Korpisalo, the edge goes to the Islanders. With this game being on Long Island, we think the home ice advantage could tilt this game in the Islanders’ favour.
Prediction: Islanders win 3-2
Prop Bets
According to the popular sportsbooks, the Islanders come into this game as the favourites. We would take their money line at -160. The over/under is set at 6.5. With both teams playing better defensively, we feel this number is too high. We like the under at -132. As far as any-time goal scorers, for the Islanders, we like Calum Ritchie at +320 to get his first NHL goal. He has been playing well, and it is a matter of time before he deposits one. For the Bruins, we like David Pastrnak at +110. After having his two-game point streak snapped, we think he will start a new one here with a goal.
Main Photo: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
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