Eyes On Isles

Islanders vs. Canadiens: Betting odds, lineups, back-to-back kings

Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

With a win, the New York Islanders can start their third winning streak of the season. While the Montreal Canadiens are hoping to end their eight-game losing streak.

The New York Islanders travel to “la belle province” to play the struggling Montreal Canadiens. The Islanders come to the home of gravy, french fries, and cheese curds as they look to establish a new winning streak. The Canadiens for their part are hoping to end their current streak.

The Montreal Canadiens are currently on an eight-game losing streak. The Canadiens haven’t won since November 15 when they beat the Metropolitan leading Washington Capitals 5-2.

The Islanders just played last night against the Detroit Red Wings. That’s typically a huge advantage for the rested team like the Canadiens. But since Barry Trotz took over behind the Islanders bench, the boys from Long Island have been outstanding in the second leg of back-to-back situations.

Since Trotz took over, the Islanders are 14-0-1 in back-to-back situations. In back to back situations where the second leg is on the road, the Islanders are 8-0-1.

The Islanders have turned a weakness, like back-to-back games, into a strength. Montreal are going to hope they can buck that trend.

But allowing 4.75 goals against and only scoring 2.5 goals for in their last eight games isn’t going to help them. Former Vezina and Hart Trophy winner Carey Price will be in net, but his 3.18GAA and 0.898SV% this season don’t fill any opposition with fear.

Betting Odds

Oddsmakers have clearly taken that all in. Courtesy of the Action Network, the New York Islanders is -105 while the Habs are -115. The edge is given to the Habs simply for being the home team. With 77 percent of the bets going to the Islanders, you can tell what betters are thinking is going to happen.

Possible Lineups

New York Islanders

Lee-Barzal-Bailey
Beauvillier-Nelson-Brassard
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck
Komarov-Koivula-Eberle*

Pelech-Pulock
Toews-Mayfield
Leddy-Boychuk

Greiss (Varlamov)

Source: Andrew Gross, Newsday
*Floater

Let me explain that floater thing. I have a hard time saying that Leo Komarov and Otto Koivula are the team’s third line when they got a combined 13:14 of ice time against the Detroit Red Wings. Cal Clutterbuck got 13:59 of ice time. They’re the fourth line.

But with all that being said, Eberle isn’t a fourth-liner. It’s why he got 12:40 against the Red Wings. When Trotz writes the lines he’s got to put Eberle somewhere, but he’s going to float around the lineup. He’ll get time with Komarov and Koivula and time with Barzal and Lee.

Montreal Canadiens

WIth Keith Kinkaid being sent to waivers to get some AHL playing time, Carey Price is certain to get the start for the Canadiens. With a 3.18GAA and 0.898SV% he hasn’t been the same goalie from previous years.

Shea Weber will be a handful, but if the Islanders can keep out of the box they’ll be able to limit the number of open looks he’ll get. Of his 211 career goals, Weber scored 101 on the power play.

Where to Watch

TV: MSG+, MSG Go (Mobile)
Radio: 88.7FM, 103.9FM, 1050AM

Schedule