By Greg Dempson
Anaheim Ducks at New York Islanders
The New York Islanders power play is “power” in name only, in their last four games the Isles have scored but 1 power play goal in 16 opportunities.
The Islanders leading scorer, Kyle Okposo, who has 26 points, will miss a second straight game due to a lower body injury. His line mate, John Tavares is also mired in a scoring slump, (1 point in his last eight games.)
On the bright side, the Islanders have been solid in the penalty kill department as they’ve killed off 28 penalties in their last 12 games. Each team is very astute in killing off penalties this season as New York ranks third in the league at 86.9% while the Ducks are second at 87.7%.
As of this report neither starting goalie has been confirmed. On Saturday night Frederik Anderson started for the first time since November 21st and made 21 saves. Anderson has a GAA of 2.46 as well as a save percentage of 91.5%. In his absence John Gibson posted a GAA of 1.90 with a save percentage of 92.7% in eight starts.
Bet Pinnacle Sports: Anaheim Ducks vs NY Islanders Total 5 Over -124 Under +112
The Islanders goalies tandem of Thomas Greiss and Jaroslav Halak have allowed a combined 27 goals in 14 games vs. non conference foes. Each starter has a save percentage of 91% or greater at home this season. Greiss has allowed 3 goals in his last three starts.
Ice–Chips
· These two teams are a combined 20–36–09 to the under this season.
· The Ducks are last in the league in scoring averaging 1.84 goals per game.
· The past two seasons the Isles are 4–17 to the under when at home and losers in 3 out of their last 4 games.
· Anaheim is 1–7 to the under this season when the O/U is 5 goals or less.
· The Islanders are 11–20–03 in all games this season.
· The Ducks have scored less than 2 goals in 15 out of their 31 games this season.
· The Isles are 05–14–01 to the under in their last 20 games vs. Pacific Conference teams.
· The Ducks have scored 19 goals in 14 road games this season, (an average of 1.36 per game.)
· The past three seasons the Islanders are 05–18 to the under when losing three or more consecutive games while the Ducks are 2–8 to the under when losing two out of their last three games this season.
· The Islanders are winning between 45% to 55% of their games this season, (18–16,) and host the Ducks off back-to-back one goal loses away from home. All teams in this exact scenario are 07–24 = 77.4% to the under since 1996 as well as an impressive 00–11 to the under the past five seasons.
Anaheim Ducks at New York Islanders Pick
My Every Edge NHL Game of the Night is on the Ducks and Islanders to stay under 5 goals at +110.
For additional winning information visit www.gregdempson.com.