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Detroit Red Wings vs New York Islanders Betting Preview
The Detroit Red Wings aim to rebound from a 4-2 loss to Buffalo when they visit the New York Islanders on Thursday night at UBS Arena. Detroit (5-2-0) remains near the top of the Atlantic Division, while the Islanders (3-3-0) are finding their rhythm after a slow start.
Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been a revelation for New York, opening his NHL career with points in six straight games. His high-energy play and power-play minutes have helped the Islanders climb the standings and spark a home crowd that missed playoff hockey last spring.
Detroit’s recent surge included five straight wins before Wednesday’s setback. Dylan Larkin continues to pace the attack with 12 points in seven games, supported by J.T. Compher and Lucas Raymond. You can track updated NHL odds and moneyline movement as this matchup tightens heading into puck drop.
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Line Movement and Odds
The Islanders opened at -130 but have been bet up to -140 at home, indicating sharper support on New York after three consecutive wins. Detroit’s number drifted from +105 to +116, while the total has stayed at 6.0 with balanced action.
Public bettors are siding with the Islanders at roughly 63%, but sharp money is backing the Red Wings to cover the puck line at +1.5. You can review all live adjustments and totals at the ScoresAndStats NHL odds page
Matchup Breakdown
Detroit relies on transition play and speed through the neutral zone. Their 4-1 record against the spread as underdogs highlights their competitiveness, but fatigue from back-to-back games could play a factor. The Red Wings have struggled to convert power plays lately, going 0-for-6 across their last two outings.
The Islanders’ improvement has come from better puck possession and tighter gaps defensively under Patrick Roy. Bo Horvat and Brock Nelson have stabilized the offense, while Schaefer’s poise has elevated New York’s top pair. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin owns a .913 save percentage, providing a steady last line of defense.
Dive into more pregame metrics and situational stats inside the NHL betting guide
Injuries and Conditions
Detroit Red Wings
- Shai Buium (D) – Out, undisclosed
- Nate Danielson (C) – Out, undisclosed
- Patrick Kane (RW) – Questionable, upper body
See full updates on the Red Wings injury report
New York Islanders
- Ethan Bear (D) – Out, undisclosed
- Pierre Engvall (LW) – Out, ankle
- Alexander Romanov (D) – Out, upper body
- Maxim Shabanov (C) – Questionable, undisclosed
- Semyon Varlamov (G) – Out, lower body
Get complete details on the Islanders injury report
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Best Bets and Prediction
The Islanders are trending up, while Detroit may feel the effects of consecutive road games. New York has hit the over in four of its last five contests, and Schaefer’s early surge has fueled an offense averaging 3.8 goals per game during that stretch.
Projected Score: Islanders 4, Red Wings 3
Best Bet: Islanders moneyline (-140)
Secondary Lean: Over 6.0 (-111)
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