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Islanders vs. Stars: Betting odds, lineups, Clash of Defense Heavyweights

By Michel Anderson |
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 13: Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars goes up against Johnny Boychuk #55 of the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on December 13, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Stars defeated the Islanders 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 13: Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars goes up against Johnny Boychuk #55 of the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on December 13, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Stars defeated the Islanders 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New York Islanders are back on the road after a short stop at home to play the Vegas Golden Knights. Their date in Dallas is a meeting of two defensive heavyweights in the NHL.

Two heavyweights will meet tonight. No, I’m not talking about Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz. I’m talking about two defensive heavyweights in the NHL; the New York Islanders and the Dallas Stars.

Over the past two seasons, both have been at the top of the list for the least amount of goals scored against. Last year, the Islanders duo of Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss just beat out Ben Bishop for the Jennings Trophy. The Islanders allowed 191 goals against compared to the Stars 200 goals against.

This year it’s much of the same. Through some 30 games this season, the Islanders are tied with the Bruins for the least amount of goals against with 65 while the Stars are just behind them in fourth with 73 goals against.

Betting Odds

The Islanders haven’t been great on the road of late. Over their last five road games, they hold a 1-3-1 record. Today’s money line, curtsey of The Action Network, opened at +120 for an Islanders win and -140 for a Stars win.

Projected Lines

New York Islanders

Beauvillier-Barzal-Eberle
Lee-Nelson-Brassard
Bailey-Komarov-Dal Colle
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

Pelech-Pulock
Toews-Mayfield
Leddy-Boychuk

Greiss (Varlamov)

Barry Trotz put his lines in a blender against the Vegas Golden Knights, and they won. It’s likely he keeps those lines intact. Beau played a team-high 21:32 against the Knights, so playing him next to Barzal makes sense. With a late start and no morning skate, we’ll have to wait a while to see what Barry actually does with his lines.

Dallas Stars

Ben Bishop likely gets the start for the Stars. Meaning two of the league’s best goalies will duel tonight. Bishop ranks* seventh in save percentage (0.929) and sixth in goals-against on average (2.19). Greiss ranks* fifth in save percentage (0.931) fifth in goals-against on average (2.18).

*Rank is for goalies who’ve played in at least ten games.

How to watch

TV: MSG+2 MSG Go (Mobile)

Radio: 88.7 FM and 103.9FM

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