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Bruins vs Islanders Betting Preview
This is the final meeting of the regular season between two teams separated by two points in the Eastern Conference race. New York enters on a surge. Boston enters in a slump. Both have been off since Sunday.
The Islanders edged Seattle 1-0 in a shootout. David Rittich was sharp, and Kyle Palmieri delivered the winner. Bo Horvat extended the shootout with a bar-down conversion. New York tied a franchise record with six wins on its seven-game road trip, then avoided a slow start to their homestand with Sunday’s tight win.
Boston dropped a 3-1 decision to San Jose, their fourth loss in six. They have not led once in any of their last four defeats. The bigger issue is discipline. Boston averaged 12.5 penalty minutes entering the week, one of the highest marks in the league. They were called for seven penalties Sunday, including the one that set up Macklin Celebrini’s winner.
Marco Sturm wants cleaner play. David Pastrnak expressed frustration about overreliance on the penalty kill. The Bruins need more early control and fewer mistakes.
Find the full slate of matchups on today’s NHL previews page.
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Line Movement and Odds
Current market:
- Islanders -161, Bruins +135
- Puck Line: Islanders -1.5 (+158), Bruins +1.5 (-193)
- Total 6 (over -107, under -114)
The number opened around Islanders -150. Early action pushed New York into the -160s due to Boston’s PK exposure and recent penalty issues. The total has stayed firm at 6 with more public interest on the over.
Track changes on the NHL odds board
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Matchup Breakdown
Boston outlook
The Bruins can compete if they stay out of the box. Their power play remains dangerous, ranking near the top of the league. Morgan Geekie continues to score and now leads with 17 goals. Pastrnak provides consistent creation, but the lineup has holes due to injuries. Their recent losses feature long defensive-zone stretches and a lack of pace off the start.
Their structure is usually stable, but penalty volume continues to tilt games.
New York outlook
The Islanders play strong at UBS Arena with tight defensive layers and solid goaltending. Rittich has stabilized their crease with consecutive sharp outings. Their win against Seattle showed their ability to grind out low-event games. Bo Horvat leads the way with 14 goals. Mathew Barzal supports transition play, and New York generates steady shot quality at home.
Their defense excels in suppressing middle-lane entries. That presents a challenge for a Boston team lacking rhythm.
Key battle
Boston’s discipline vs New York’s forecheck pressure. If the Bruins give away power plays again, the Islanders can control flow and possession.
Injuries and Conditions
Boston Bruins
- Viktor Arvidsson, out, lower body.
- Jordan Harris, out, ankle.
- Charlie McAvoy, out, jaw.
- Casey Mittelstadt, out, lower body.
Track updates on the Boston Bruins injury report - .
New York Islanders
- Ethan Bear, out, undisclosed.
- Pierre Engvall, out, ankle.
- Alexander Romanov, out, shoulder.
- Semyon Varlamov, out, lower body.
See the New York Islanders injury report - .
Weather: Indoors.
Best Bets and Prediction
The Islanders have better defensive metrics and steadier form. Boston’s penalty issues are too consistent to ignore. The matchup leans toward New York controlling pace and special-teams opportunities.
Projected score: Islanders 4, Bruins 3.
Best bet: Islanders -161.
Secondary lean: Over 6.
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