Islanders vs. Stars: Betting odds, lineups, Must win for playoff spot

The New York Islanders take on the Dallas Stars in Brooklyn tonight. An Islanders loss may see them on the outside looking in on the playoffs.

For the first time since October, the New York Islanders can be out of the playoff picture tonight with a loss to the Stars and a Hurricanes win. Yes, I know the Islanders have two games in hand on Carolina, but a loss to the second-best defensive team in hockey could have the Islanders on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.

The Islanders are trying to split their season series with the Stars after falling in their first meeting, 3-1, in the “Big D”. Dallas is playing their second game of a back to back, in which they won the first game against the Rangers 5-3. In the Islanders last five games against the Stars, the Islanders are 1-4-0.

Maybe with a tired Dallas team, the Isles can even out the series and stay in the playoff picture.

Tale of the Tape

The New York Islanders are, oddly enough, the more offensive team in this matchup. The Dallas Stars are one of the only teams to also be in a playoff position but have a worse offense than the Isles with 2.63 goals-for per game.

Betting Odds

The blue and orange are favorites tonight with a -125 money line courtesy of the Action Network. The Islanders are on home ice and are well-rested, having only played one game after their bye week.

Meanwhile, the Stars are playing their fifth game since the All-Star break and their third straight game on the road. They have posted a great record, at 4-1-0, but fatigue might be an issue for them in this one.

With the Dallas Stars playing red-hot hockey, they make a good argument to say away from betting on the favorites in this one.